[Stability of posterior chamber lenses 3-5.5 years after implantation in capsular rupture].

Abstract

In cases of PC-IOL implantation and ruptured capsule there will be a higher risk of the lens loosening into the vitreous, although many successful cases have been reported. Three years ago we investigated 42 eyes with PC-IOL that had experienced previous posterior capsular or zonular rents and partial vitreous loss. Three to 5.5 years after PC-IOL implantation we have now performed a second investigation on 38 of these patients to examine fixation of the lenses, visual acuity, intraocular pressure and the fundus of the eye. The 38 lenses all remained stable. The rate of patients achieving 20/40 or better visual acuity decreased from 68% at the first investigation to 55% (21/38). Excluding all patients with vision-limiting preoperative conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, we found a relation-ship of 83% to 75% (21/28). In addition to the three retinal detachments and two cases of endophthalmitis found during the first investigation, we also found another retinal detachment at the follow-up examination. Only two of these six eyes with severe complications had useful vision. We conclude from our investigation that PC-IOL implanted following a posterior capsule-zonular break during ECCE can remain stable, but still lead to serious complications.