Complications of cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation

Due to continued improvement in lens design, lens manufacturing, and surgical technique, the incidence of complications of cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation have decreased in recent years. Complications may be categorized into operative and postoperative, both early and late onset. Operative complications include posterior capsule rupture with or without vitreous loss, loss of all or part of the lens nucleus, iris damage, and stripping of Descemet's membrane. Early postoperative complications include pupillary block, hyphema, elevation of the intraocular pressure associated with the use of viscoelastic substances, persistent uveitis with or without hypopyon, and endophthalmitis. Late postoperative complications include IOL malposition, secondary glaucoma, cystoid macular edema, retinal detachment, and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.