Evaluation of nine hundred and sixty-seven consecutive intraocular implants

We undertook a survey of all intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted by two surgeons from 1976 up to the end of 1983. Of the 967 implants, 164 were excluded because of lack of adequate follow-up. Of the remaining 803 cases there were 104 anterior chamber lenses, 185 iris-supported lenses, and 514 posterior chamber lenses. The overall final visual acuity was 6/12 or better in 740 cases (92.2%). Of the remaining 63 cases, 32 had pre-existing disease or associated conditions not directly related to the operation. By analysing the results within each major group of IOL we found that the posterior chamber IOLs had the best final visual acuity (94.4% 6/12 or better) and fewer postoperative complications. The major problems with iris-supported IOLs were corneal decompensation and cystoid macular oedema.