Primary posterior chamber IOL implantation in penetrating ocular trauma

This paper describes the experience of primary cataract extraction and posterior chamber IOL implantation in 11 eyes with penetrating ocular trauma. The primary surgical procedure consisted of repair of corneoscleral laceration, cataract extraction, posterior chamber IOL implantation and in certain cases, removal of intraocular foreign body and vitrectomy. 10 out of 11 cases had a post operative visual acuity of 6/18 or better, with 9 out of 11 having a post operative visual acuity of 6/12 or better. One case initially had a visual acuity of 6/24 but later developed retinal detachment with a visual acuity of 'hand movements'. Another patient developed a small localised retinal detachment during the tenth postoperative month but with successful surgery, attained a visual acuity of 6/6. The encouraging results suggest that this procedure may be recommended in carefully selected cases, under the management of an experienced surgeon.