Secondary intraocular lens implantation vs epikeratophakia for the treatment of aphakia.

We analyzed retrospectively the results of 30 consecutive secondary intraocular lens implantations and 30 epikeratophakia procedures performed by one surgeon for adult aphakia. Specific indications for epikeratophakia were criteria that excluded patients as candidates for intraocular implants. Follow-up of all patients was at least six months. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity and endothelial cell counts, as well as power predictability and complications rates, were compared. Preliminary results indicated that postoperative visual acuity, power predictability, and endothelial cell counts were comparable for the two groups. There were, however, fewer sight threatening complications associated with epikeratophakia, and complications in these patients were successfully reversed by removal and replacement of the lenticule.