Implantation of posterior chamber lenses in eyes with phakodonesis and lens subluxation

Unilateral posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was performed after phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction in ten of 11 patients with phakodonesis or lens subluxation, which was bilateral in two cases. To facilitate placement of the IOL, the anterior capsule was opened with a YAG laser in nine patients. Intraoperative vitrectomy was performed in two patients, and posterior chamber IOL implantation was accomplished with fixation in the ciliary sulcus. Postoperative follow-up studies failed to demonstrate significant decentration or dislocation of the IOLs. Phakodonesis and lens subluxation are no longer considered absolute contraindications to implantation of posterior chamber IOLs.