Secondary implantation

Aphakia is a disabling condition. It must be corrected by spectacles, contact lenses, refractive keratoplasty, or insertion of a pseudophakos. In those patients who do not tolerate a contact lens or cataract spectacles, refractive keratoplasty or secondary implantation of an IOL should be considered. Keratophakia and hyperopic keratomileusis have not yet evolved to the point at which refractive keratoplasty can be considered a practical answer to aphakia. This leaves a significant population of aphakic patients who can be visually rehabilitated only be secondary implantation of an IOL. Despite the risks and hazards associated with any intraocular surgery, the benefits derived from successful correction of aphakia with secondary implantation fully justify this procedure. Secondary implantation is a proved, successful modality for the corretion of aphakia. The number of patients requiring secondary implantation is not great, but in patients in whom secondary implantation is indicated, both the patient and the physician will find the results most rewarding.