Metaanalysis of cataract development after phakic intraocular lens surgery

We performed a systematic literature review to determine the incidence of and predisposing factors for cataract after phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) implantation. Of the 6338 eyes reported, 4.35% were noted to have new-onset or preexisting progressive cataract. The incidence of cataract formation was 1.29%, 1.11%, and 9.60% with anterior chamber, iris-fixated, and posterior chamber (PC) pIOLs, respectively. In the PC pIOL group, early cataract formation was related to surgical trauma and late-onset cataract was related to IOL-crystalline lens contact. Analysis of cataract progression in eyes with preexisting cataract showed a progression rate of 29.5% after pIOL surgery. These results suggest that cataract formation is most likely to occur after PC pIOL implantation. Patients with preexisting progressive cataract should be informed about the possibility of cataract progression and possible need for cataract surgery after pIOL implantation. Cataract surgical intervention resulted in restoration of visual acuity.