Intraocular lens implantation in acute angle closure glaucoma associated with cataract

We have performed planned extracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens in four eyes of three patients undergoing surgery for acute angle closure glaucoma associated with cataract. Three of these four eyes suffered angle closure secondary to intumescent cataract. One suffered primary angle closure upon preoperative pupillary dilation prior to lens extraction. We have found no evidence of corneal decompensation, residual glaucoma, or increased surgical morbidity in our patients. We feel that acute glaucoma associated with cataract is not a contraindication to lens implantation.