Are there acceptable anterior chamber intraocular lenses for clinical use in the 1990s? An analysis of 4104 explanted anterior chamber intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE

The authors pose the question as to whether there are any anterior chamber intraocular lenses (AC IOLs) acceptable for clinical use in the 1990s.

METHODS

Data on the incidence and types of complications of 4104 AC IOLs that were submitted to the Center for IOL Research from 1982 to 1993 were retrieved from the laboratory database and analyzed using cumulative frequency calculations and the chi-square test. Normalized explantation rates were related to implantation rates that were derived from market-share analysis.

RESULTS

Of 4104 explanted IOLs, 50% were closed-loop designs (n = 2095/4104); 26% (1100/4104) were miscellaneous, older designs; and 22% (919/4104) were open-loop lenses. The most important complications were corneal pathology (2065/4104) and inflammation (1370/4104). Closed-loop designs were responsible for almost 80% of corneal pathology, with an increasing complication rate with ongoing implant duration (P < 0.0001). Open-loop AC IOLs showed, in relation to their normalized rate of implantation, a significantly lower rate of complications and explantations (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Complication rates of flexible, open-loop AC IOLs are much lower than previously assumed. They should be distinguished clearly from most older AC IOL designs. Consideration of these lenses as an alternative to sutured posterior chamber IOLs for secondary or exchange implantation may be warranted for selected clinical indications. They also could provide an alternative to the aphakic spectacle rehabilitation program in developing countries, which will have a positive impact on the overwhelming backlog of patients with cataract in the underprivileged world.