Indications for and results of intraocular lens explantation.

We reviewed the medical records of 97 patients who had 101 consecutive intraocular lens (IOL) explantation procedures, with or without exchange, at the University of Florida Eye Center from January 1, 1983, to December 31, 1987. The majority of the removed IOLs were anterior chamber styles (53.9%), followed by iris-fixated lenses (33.7%). The most common indications for surgery included pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK)--69%, uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema (UGH) syndrome--9%, and IOL instability--7%. The best visual outcome was seen in patients with IOL instability; 50% achieved 20/40 or better visual acuity. Forty one percent of patients with PBK, who had IOL explantation/exchange combined with penetrating keratoplasty, achieved 20/40 or better visual acuity. The poorest visual outcome was seen in patients with the UGH syndrome; 83% had a final acuity of 20/200 or worse. However, these patients achieved resolution of their pain and inflammation and better control of their intraocular pressure as a result of the surgery. Complications leading to IOL explantation tended to occur months to years after the original surgery in patients with closed-loop, semi-flexible anterior chamber lenses and iris-fixated lenses. Posterior chamber lenses were most often removed because of complications unrelated to the implant.