[Lens subluxation and glaucoma: indications and hazards of cataract surgery]

Iridodonesis is the clinical sign of lens subluxation. Acute glaucoma caused by a ciliolenticular block may develop. YAG iridotomy or peripheral iridectomy are rarely effective in controlling intraocular pressure. The results of phacoemulsification and posterior lens implantation for subluxated lens and glaucoma are reported.

Seven patients aged 69+/-9.5 years were followed up. All 10 eyes with subluxated lens and glaucoma had phacoemulsification and posterior chamber lens implantation. Two different groups relating to axial length could be analyzed. Intraoperative findings and postoperative glaucoma situation are reported.

Six eyes had average axial length of 21.5+/-0.17 mm and previous acute glaucoma. Five of these eyes had therapeutic YAG iridotomy and one, peripheral iridectomy. All eyes had dysregulated glaucoma despite antiglaucomatous medications. After cataract surgery five of six eyes had regular intraocular pressure without any medication. Four eyes had average axial length of 24. 4+/-1.1 mm and chronic glaucoma. After complicated phacoemulsification three of these eyes had regular intraocular pressure with antiglaucomatous medication, one eye without.

For short eyes with subluxated lens and preceding acute glaucoma, cataract surgery with posterior chamber lens implantation is an effective therapeutic procedure for IOP regulation. For chronic glaucoma with subluxated lens, conventional or surgical approach to glaucoma remains dominant.