PRIMARY INTRAOCULAR-LENS IMPLANTATION IN THE SETTING OF PENETRATING OCULAR TRAUMA

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcome of patients who underwent lensectomy and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation at the time of primary repair of a penetrating ocular injury. Methods: A review of 14 patients who sustained cataracts and lens rupture in the setting of a corneal laceration to determine anatomic and visual outcome, in addition to complications related to the primary IOL. Results: The IOL remained anatomically stable in all 14 patients with no complications encountered at implantation or after surgery. Final visual acuity in 9 of the 14 patients was 20/40 or better. Six patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy for removal of an intraocular foreign body. Conclusion: Intraocular lens implantation at the time of lensectomy and primary repair of a corneal laceration allows good visual rehabilitation with restoration of binocular function and serves as an alternative to contact lens correction in select patients.