Reasons for secondary surgical intervention after phacoemulsification with posterior chamber lens implantation

To determine the indications for secondary surgical intervention in patients who had primary phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and to assess the final visual outcomes.

Department of Ophthalmology, Scarborough Hospital, Scarborough, United Kingdom.

The case notes of 17 patients (18 eyes) were reviewed to determine the reasons for secondary surgical intervention. From September 1997 to December 2000 (40 months), 4388 primary phacoemulsification procedures with posterior chamber IOL implantation were performed.

Fifteen eyes required secondary surgical interventions for lens-related factors and 3, for surgeon-related factors. All patients had satisfactory visual outcomes after the secondary intervention.

The indications for secondary intervention included unsatisfactory refractive outcome, posterior settlement of the IOL, unwanted imagery, inappropriate IOL power, and IOL dislocation. Secondary intervention can be performed safely and provides satisfactory final visual outcomes.