Anterior chamber intra-ocular lens surgery at Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria

The objective of this paper is to assess the visual outcome and complications associated with anterior chamber lens implantation. A retrospective review of all patients who had anterior chamber lens insertion at St Mary s Catholic Eye Hospital Ago-Iwoye between October 1998 and October 1999 was made. Follow up was from two months to one year. 14 eyes of 14 patients had anterior chamber lens implantation. The mean age was 62.6 years. Indications for surgery included, uncorrected uni-ocular aphakia 28.6%, inadvertent posterior capsule rent 14.2%, and uncomplicated extra-capsular surgery 57.1%. 50% of the patients had best corrected post-operative acuity of 6/18 or better. Post-operative astigmatism was minimal. The observed complications included, vitreous loss (21.4%), iridodialysis (7.1%), cornea striae (14.3%), posterior capsule opacity (21.4%), uveitis (42.9%) and raised intraovular pressure (14.3%). Anterior chamber lens implantation for visual rehabilitation of uni-ocular aphakia is safe and effective.