Visual results following vitreous loss and primary lens implantation

Implantation of an intraocular lens following vitreous loss at cataract surgery is a controversial decision. To address this issue, we retrospectively identified all cases performed at the University of Minnesota in the last three years that had either a posterior or an anterior chamber lens placed following anterior vitrectomy. Twenty patients had a posterior chamber lens implant; 14 had follow-up longer than six months. All these patients achieved 20/40 or better visual acuity, although one patient had a retinal detachment. Of the six patients with an anterior chamber lens implant, four achieved 20/40 or better acuity and two achieved 20/50 acuity with follow-up of six months; one patient had a retinal detachment. This review demonstrates that with a meticulous anterior vitrectomy, good visual results can be achieved, although the risk of retinal detachment is higher than in uncomplicated cases.