Prophylaxis of aphakic retinal detachment.

In 57 aphakic second eyes of 88 patients who had previously suffered an aphakic detachment in the first eye, fifteen patients have so far suffered a retinal detachment in the second eye. However, of these fifteen patients, only two have suffered any reduction of central vision associated with detachment of the macula, reflecting an apparent change in the pattern of aphakic detachment disease in the second eye. In view of this observation, we do not think an energetic policy of prophylaxis involving 360 degrees cryotherapy should be pursued at the present time provided that follow-up facilities are available.