Anterior chamber lens implantation after vitreous loss

Vitreous loss is a serious complication of cataract surgery. Following vitreous loss it is common practice to perform a primary implantation of an anterior chamber lens (AC-IOL). We retrospectively analysed 642 consecutive cases of cataract extraction performed between 1983 and 1986 with special attention to those patients in whom vitreous loss occurred and an AC-IOL was placed. There were 27 such cases, and 24 of these were available for follow-up. Eighteen (75%) had visual acuity of 20/40 or better. All six patients (25%) who had a visual acuity of less than 20/40 in the operated eye had a functional visual acuity of 20/200 or less. Complications that occurred in this group are discussed. We are concerned that the complications associated with vitreous loss and with AC-IOLs may be acting in concert to cause visually disabling results.