[Long-term follow-up of flexible open-loop anterior chamber intraocular lenses implantation]

To evaluate the long-term outcome in eyes had flexible open-loop anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL) implantation.

Cataract extraction with primary flexible open-loop ACIOL and anterior vitrectomy were performed in 34 eyes (group I), and secondary AC IOL implantation were performed in 49 eyes (group II). Visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal endothelial cell, anterior chamber angle and the presence of associated complication were examined in a mean follow up of 4.8 years (range 3 to 7 years).

The final best correct visual acuity was 0.5 or better in 65 eyes (78.3%). The IOP were (13.55 +/- 3.21) mm Hg preoperatively and (13.40 +/- 4.29) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) at the last follow-up (t = 0.5427, P = 0.5888). In group I, the corneal endothelial cell density were (2497 +/- 629)/mm(2) preoperatively, while at the last follow-up it was (1995 +/- 648)/mm(2) and the rate of endothelial cell loss was (20.6 +/- 14.1)%; In group II, the corneal endothelial cell density before and after operation was (2459 +/- 681)/mm(2) and (2238 +/- 817)/mm(2) respectively. The rate endothelial cell loss was higher in group I compared with group II (P = 0.023). Postoperative complication include transient secondary glaucoma caused by block of pupil in 4 eyes and remain of viscoelastic substance in 3 eyes, hypotension in 5 eyes, persistent glaucoma in 2 eyes, hyphema in 2 eyes, IOLs slightly dislocation and shift in 3 eyes, pupil deformation in 1 eye, retina detachment in 2 eyes, and corneal decompensation in 2 eyes.

Flexible open-loop ACIOL is relatively safe and effective in selected cataract surgery. Postoperative complication could be reduced if operative indication and surgical technique were emphasized.