Retinal detachment following extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation

Fourteen cases of primary retinal detachment after extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were treated by scleral buckling surgery. Retinal reattachment was achieved in 100% of the cases. All eyes had a postoperative visual acuity of 6/30 or better; in six eyes the visual acuity was 6/12 or better. We attributed our high anatomical success rate to early detection of the retinal detachment, good visibility of the retinal breaks, lack of inflammatory reaction in the vitreous body, and preoperative absence of fixed retinal folds and preretinal membranes.