[Primary intraocular lens implantation after laser therapy in active diabetic retinopathy]

The author presents an account of the results and complications of cataract operations with primary implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens in 10 eyes of 8 patients suffering from preproliferative diabetic retinopathy, partly treated by laser. After operation in nine eyes the visual acuity improved during a mean follow-up period of 22.7 months. As to postoperative complications, a late fibrinous reaction was important (4x posterior synechia of the iris, incl. iris capture syndrome in one case with subsequent secondary glaucoma). In three eyes within one year secondary fibrotic cataract developed, in one it was necessary to perform Nd-YAG laser membranotomy. In none of the eyes so far after supplementary laser coagulation progression of diabetic retinopathy was recorded. The authors recommend to carry out maximum laser coagulation of the retina before operation of the cataract, to remove during operation the total mass of the lens, to carry out preventive basal iridectomy and to complete panretinal laser coagulation as quickly as possible after operation.