Long-term results after epilenticular intraocular lens implantation following a traumatic cataract

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the late postoperative outcome and complication rate after lensectomy with primary epilenticular intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for traumatic cataract. Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 11 patients who were operated on for traumatic cataract after penetrating or blunt ocular trauma between 1997 and 2002. One patient developed cataract due to a large rupture of the posterior capsule after blunt trauma. Ten patients sustained a penetrating ocular injury with (7 eyes) or without (3 eyes) intraocular foreign body (IOFB). In all patients the IOL was implanted at the beginning of the operation into the ciliary sulcus in front of the opaque lens followed by parsplana lensectomy and vitrectomy. Results: The mean follow-up was 27.4 months. Eight eyes (72.7%) achieved a final visual acuity of 0.5 or better. Major causes of limited visual acuity were central corneal scars causing irregular astigmatism. In all patients the IOL was safely and easily implanted into the ciliary sulcus. During the subsequent pars-plana lensectomy and vitrectomy as well as during the follow-up period all IOLs remained anatomically stable and well centered. In one patient PVR retinal detachment had to be treated by pars-plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade. Conclusions: Epilenticular IOL implantation followed by pars-plana lensectomy is an easy and safe method to treat traumatic cataract in the setting of penetrating ocular trauma repair. It is associated with a favorable visual outcome and a low rate of postoperative complications.