Secondary implantation of open-loop, flexible, anterior chamber intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To assess the results of implantation of secondary, open-loop, flexible, anterior chamber intraocular lenses (IOLs) and compare the findings with those of other published studies. SETTING: A combined ophthalmology and ear, nose, and throat hospital in Middlesbrough, Cleveland, England. METHODS: This retrospective study comprised 81 patients who had secondary implantation of a flexible, open-loop, anterior chamber IOL by the one surgeon. The incidence of postoperative complications was ascertained, and best corrected preoperative and postoperative visual acuities were compared. RESULTS: Two serious complications occurred: one severe loss of vision that is still under investigation and one retinal detachment that was repaired with good residual visual function. Of all 81 patients, 92.5% were within one Snellen line of their preoperative best corrected visual acuity. These results compare favorably with those of other published studies. CONCLUSION: Using an open-loop, flexible, anterior chamber lens for secondary implantation is still an acceptable way to treat aphakia. The poor reputation of these lenses is undeserved.

Flexible open-loop anterior chamber intraocular lens implantation after posterior capsule complications in extracapsular cataract extraction.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze 50 cases of flexible open-loop anterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation after posterior capsule rupture and vitreous loss and compare the results with those of other published series. SETTING: North Riding Infirmary, Cleveland, England. METHODS: This retrospective study, with a follow-up between 3 and 81 months, comprised all patients who had a flexible open-loop anterior chamber IOL implanted because of significant posterior capsule problems during extracapsular cataract extraction. The incidence of postoperative complications and best corrected visual acuity results were determined. RESULTS: Three patients with cystoid macular edema achieved final best corrected visual acuity of 6/9 (20/30). There was one retinal detachment and one traumatic incision rupture with IOL loss 6 weeks postoperatively and subsequent retinal detachment and phthisis. Seventy-two percent achieved a best corrected visual acuity of 6/9 (20/30). CONCLUSIONS: Our results agree with those of other published series. Implantation of a flexible open-loop anterior chamber IOL as a primary lens is still an acceptable way of treating posterior capsule complications in cataract surgery.