Four and one-half year study of the relationship between one-piece encircling loop polymethylmethacrylate lenses and...

Prospective studies in this series of 2,802 patients have shown that the incidence of retinal detachment is significantly reduced with an intact posterior capsule. Furthermore, if a capsulotomy has to be performed, the data from this series suggest that it is preferable not to open the capsule at the time of surgery but at a later time, when the IOL optic has fixed to the posterior capsule. A subsequent YAG capsulotomy will not disrupt this apposition and will not alter the barrier protection of aqueous movement to the vitreous. This effect can be achieved with a continuous ridge on the posterior surface of the lens or, alternatively, with a convex posterior IOL surface.