Pupillary block with posterior chamber intraocular lenses

We present 12 cases of pupillary block associated with extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lenses. In one case, pupillary block occurred despite the presence of a surgical iridectomy. The other 11 patients did not have a surgical iridectomy performed. We recommend that a surgical iridectomy or laser iridotomy be performed in all patients who undergo extracapsular cataract extraction with the implantation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses. Ophthalmologists need to be vigilant in watching for the development of pupillary block in these patients, since pupillary block is not a benign event and serious visual loss or disability may occur.