Combined corneal transplantation, extracapsular cataract extraction, and artificial lens implantation (triple...

The treatment of eyes with significant opacities of the cornea as well as cataract is a major challenge for the ophthalmic surgeon. Recent data indicate that these problems may be dealt with safely in a single combined operation which includes penetrating corneal transplantation, extracapsular cataract extraction, and implantation of an artificial lens (triple procedure). In the present report the author's initial experience with the triple procedure is presented. In four patients with a minimum of 6 months follow-up, clear media and marked visual improvement were achieved in all cases. The corneal pathology included two cases of Fuchs' dystrophy, and two cases of central scarring following interstitial keratitis. No complications occurred. The visual rehabilitation time was short, and comparable to ordinary phakic grafting. The triple procedure should be considered in selected cases where there are no specific contraindications to corneal grafting, cataract extraction, or lens implantation.