Photic phenomena after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber lens implantation of various optic sizes

Anecdotal reports and in vitro and clinical studies indicate that 5.0 mm x 6.0 mm ovoid posterior chamber lenses may have a higher incidence of photic phenomena, perhaps caused when the thicker truncated lens edge presents within the pupillary aperture. To evaluate these subjective phenomena, we gave a questionnaire to a random sample of patients who received one of three different poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) posterior chamber lens optic styles (5.0 x 6.0 mm ovoid, 7.0 mm round, 5.5 mm round) placed in the bag. About 20% of all IOL groups reported photic phenomena, with symptoms similar between groups. The percentage reporting persistent phenomena was also comparable. We concluded that eyes in which any IOL optic is covered by the anterior capsular edge do not have a higher incidence of photic phenomena, which may instead result from the PMMA or vitreoretinal traction after cataract extraction.