Intracapsular cataract extraction with and without implantation of an anterior chamber lens. A comparative study

Intracapsular cataract extraction with anterior lens implantation was performed in 60 eyes and matched to a control group of 55 eyes, which were operated without implantation. Per- and immediately postoperatively 8 eyes in each group had minor complications without consequences for the final visual outcome. 76.7% of the implanted eyes obtained a final visual acuity of 0.5 or better versus 70.9% in the non-implanted eyes. In both groups senile maculopathy was the main cause of permanent visual reduction. At the time of follow-up (between 12 and 29 months after surgery) maculopathy was seen in 12 eyes of the implanted group versus 14 eyes of the non-implanted group. 91% of the eyes in the implanted group gave a subjectively satisfactory result to the patient, in the non-implanted group 63% gave a satisfactory result. It is concluded that anterior chamber lens implantation in this material has been a safe procedure with no more short term complications than cataract extraction alone, and that the patients obtain a high degree of visual comfort.