INTRAOCULAR LENSES - EXPERIENCE AT THE WILMER INSTITUTE

Abstract

A series of 614 primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantations performed at the Wilmer Institute during the past 6 yr were reviewed. Progressive corneal endothelial cell loss and an increased rate of late-onset corneal edema were detected in the group with the Morcher (European) 4-loop iris-clip Binkhorst IOL. A higher rate of clinically significant cystoid macular edema (CME) developed in eyes with the American-manufactured 4-loop Binkhorst lens, presumably from chronic iritis caused by contaminants on the IOL. Short-term results with the American-manufactured Shearing-type IOL implanted at the time of extracapsular cataract extraction are encouraging, with 99% of cases achieving 20/40 vision or better, excluding those with known macular degeneration or amblyopia. A continued conservative approach to IOL implantation is recommended.