Primary cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation in penetrating ocular trauma

Purpose: To analyze the postoperative outcome and complication rate after c ataract extraction or lensectomy with primary intraocular lens (IOL) implan tation for penetrating traumatic cataract. Design: Retrospective, nonconsecutive, noncomparative case series. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the fires of 21 patients who were admi tted to our departments because of traumatic cataract with corneal or scler al laceration caused by penetrating trauma with or without intraocular fore ign body (IOFB) from 1992 through 1997. Lens aspiration or manual extracaps ular cataract extraction with primary IOL implantation was performed in all patients. Removal of an IOFB was performed in eight patients. Main Outcome Measures: Final visual acuity and deviation of actual refracti on from emmetropia and from expected postoperative refraction. Results: The mean follow-up was 20.4 months. Fourteen eyes (67%) achieved f inal visual acuity of 20/40 or better, 95% obtained 20/60 or better final v isual acuity, and all eyes achieved 20/100 or better final visual acuity. M ajor causes of limited visual acuity were central corneal scar and central retinal injury. Eleven eyes (57%) experienced secondary cataract and underw ent neodymium:yytrium-aluminum-garnet capsulotomy. Conclusions: Primary implantation of posterior chamber lenses after penetra ting ocular trauma is associated with favorable visual outcome and a low ra te of postoperative complications. Ophthalmology 2001;108: 1099-1103 (C) 20 01 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.