Management of subluxated crystalline lenses with planned intracapsular cataract extraction and anterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE

To review the visual and surgical outcome of planned intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE) and anterior chamber intraocular lens (AC IOL) implantation for subluxated crystalline lenses.

METHODS

Eight eyes of 7 patients with subluxated lenses which underwent planned ICCE, AC IOL implantation and peripheral iridectomy by one surgeon between September 1995 and November 1996 were prospectively followed-up to ascertain their visual and surgical outcome.

RESULTS

There were 4 male and 3 female patients. Their mean age was 64.4 years (range, 39-86 years). Seven lenses were removed by cryoextraction while one was removed with the aid of a vectis. The mean post-operative follow-up was 11.6 months, (range, 3-22 months). Excluding 1 eye with pre-existing ocular pathology, all eyes achieved a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/12 or better post-operatively. One of these eyes, in a schizophrenia patient, developed subluxation of the AC IOL and retinal detachment 11 months after the cataract surgery due to repeated eye rubbing. The final BCVA became 6/120 after successful repositioning of the AC IOL and retinal re-attachment surgery. One eye achieved a BCVA of 6/36 due to age-related macular degeneration.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that planned ICCE and AC IOL implantation is a useful and safe procedure in the management of subluxated lenses.