Secondary intraocular lens implantation: rigid/semi-rigid versus flexible lenses

Two series of secondary intraocular lens implantations with anterior chamber lenses are reported. Series 1 consisted of our first 199 consecutive procedures using rigid or semi-rigid lenses, performed between May 1, 1977, and September 30, 1982. Series 2 consisted of our first 101 consecutive procedures using flexible lenses, performed between October 1, 1982, and October 30, 1984. Best-corrected final postoperative visual acuity was either better than or within one Snellen line of best-corrected preoperative vision in 84% of cases with rigid or semi-rigid lenses and in 85% of cases with flexible lenses. Surgical complications were minimal in both series. No instances of uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome were encountered. Endothelial cell loss was low. Because of the short follow-up in Series 2 and the fact that these groups were operated upon at different times, the two series are not directly comparable. Nonetheless, the results do show that secondary intraocular lens implantation is a viable alternative for aphakic patients, particularly those who are intolerant of aphakic spectacles and contact lenses. Certain provisos involving patient education and motivation as well as lens selection are noted in this report.