[Anterior chamber lens implantation with intracapsular cataract extraction (author's transl)]

Between 1977 and the end of August 1980 150 anterior chamber lenses were implanted at the Basel Eye Clinic. Ninety six eyes were followed up for more than three months after intracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of a Binkhorst 4 loop lens. The indications for the operation are reviewed, the operative technique and postoperative management are briefly mentioned and the complications are discussed. One lens was removed because of hypopyon iritis and four lenses became subluxated but were all repositioned without resorting to surgery. The most worrying complication was cystoid macular edema, observed in 8% of cases and always associated with iritis. So far no patients have developed permanent corneal edema. It is important that lens implantation is only attempted when one is fully conversant with anterior segment surgery; having mastered the technique of implantation one should perfect one method before trying out another. The question of intracapsular versus extracapsular extraction and the type of lens used, provided one chooses a currently available model, is probably of secondary importance. Clearly defined indications and a detailed discussion with the patient are prerequisites. Despite this, an anterior chamber lens represents a very dubious benefit for certain patients.