Gonioscopic changes in eyes with posterior chamber intraocular lenses

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of posterior chamber implantation on angle structures. First, without previous knowledge of the position of lens haptics, 360 degrees gonioscopy was performed and any changes in the angle structures were recorded. Then, the pupil was dilated to determine the exact position of the intraocular lens haptics. The apposition of peripheral iris to angle structures or, at least, the narrowing of the angle corresponding to the lens haptic position was observed in almost all of the 117 examined eyes, with no difference found between bag and sulcus implantation. Peripheral anterior synechia overlying the lens haptic was observed in 49 (41.8%) of 117 eyes. Interestingly, we also noted that there was marked and well-limited clumping of pigment in the angle at 6 o'clock position in 67 (57.2%) of 117 eyes. In conclusion, we feel that posterior chamber intraocular lenses are not completely innocuous to the angle structures.