Secondary intraocular lens implantation

We conducted a retrospective study of our first 75 consecutive patients receiving secondary intraocular lens implants. Ninety-seven percent had postoperative visual acuities of greater than or equal to 20/40; 86%, greater than or equal to 20/25. Four percent of patients lost two or more lines of vision. Complications included retinal detachment (4%), transient cystoid macular edema (3%), transient corneal edema (3%), pupillary block glaucoma (1%), and progression of an epiretinal membrane (1%). Patients requiring anterior vitrectomy had the least favorable outcome, with a 28% incidence of retinal complications. Overall, these data show secondary intraocular lens implantations to be safe and effective. However, greater caution is recommended for patients who will require anterior vitrectomy because of the higher rate of retinal complications.