A comparison between anterior chamber intraocular lenses with those of retro-pupillary iris claw lenses: Visual outcome and complications

Purpose: A comparison of the visual outcome and complications in anterior chamber intraocular lenses with those of retropupillary iris fixated lenses. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study done at tertiary hospital in South India. Records of patients who underwent small incision cataract surgery with either anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOLs) and retropupillary iris fixated lens implantation done between 2009 to 2016 were assessed. Demographic details, and data regarding pre operative status, intraoperative and postoperative events were noted, and compared. Results: Records of 50 patients of retro-pupillary iris fixated lenses and 44 patients of ACIOLs were analysed. Postoperatively, 42% of patients who had an iris claw had visual acuity better than 6/60, and 50% of patients in the ACIOL group had a visual acuity better than 6/60, in the immediate postop period. 33 patients (66%) in the iris claw lens group had a vision improvement of one line or more, while 26(60.4%) in the ACIOL had a vision improvement of one line or more. (p=0.214). The postoperative complications in both groups were similar. Conclusion: Good surgical technique is the main factor in determining the postoperative outcome notwithstanding the type of lens used, especially in the immediate postoperative period.