[Implantation of folding posterior chamber lenses]

The implantation of foldable intraocular lenses (IOL) takes advantages of the benefit of small incision cataract surgery provided by phacoemulsification. However, even experienced surgeons may find the new implantation techniques required initially difficult. Advantages of small incision techniques include maintaining stability of the globe during surgery, especially in the case of acute IOP elevation caused by choroidal effusion or expulsive hemorrhage, as well as improved postoperative healing. Small incision surgery minimizes induced astigmatism, to less than 1.0 dpt change. Therefore, the patients physical and visual rehabilitation can be accelerated. Soft IOL's composed of p-HEMA or Silicone materials have been investigated for the past ten years and appear to be well biocompatible. The p-HEMA lens most often implanted is the IO-GEL, manufactured by Alcon. 120 p-HEMA IOL's were implanted in our clinic over the past 2 years. Our experiences with this foldable IOL are reported.