Sutured posterior chamber intraocular lenses for traumatic cataract in Africa.

PURPOSE: To determine the outcomes of sutured scleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs) after trauma in an African population.

SETTING

State hospital and affiliated district hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.

DESIGN

Case series.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of the medical records of patients in whom a sutured PC IOL had been implanted for traumatic aphakia in the preceding 5 years.

RESULTS

Eighty-five percent of the 59 patients had a significant improvement in uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) at the final visit. Two-thirds of patients achieved an UDVA of 6/18 or better. Those not improving had severe preexisting macular or corneal pathology. A significant number of patients (28%) with angle recession developed ocular hypertension during the postoperative period.

CONCLUSION

After careful preoperative selection, sutured PC IOLs were effective in the visual rehabilitation of eyes with traumatic subluxated cataract in which the capsular bag could not be retained.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.