Trabecular pigmentation following extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.

We prospectively evaluated the change in trabecular pigmentation following extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior-chamber intraocular lens implantation in 70 patients (94 eyes) with senile cataracts. Using the Boys-Smith pigment gradation lens to measure semiquantitatively the amount of pigment visible in the angle, we estimated the mean trabecular pigmentation preoperatively and at 3-month intervals postoperatively. Both the mean pigmentation and the number of eyes with heavy pigmentation rose after the operation and then gradually returned to preoperative levels. There was no correlation between the amount of trabecular pigmentation and intraocular pressure.