Intraocular lens implantation in eyes with Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis.

Purpose: To evaluate the results of cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis.

Setting: Saint-Victor Hospital, Amiens, France.

Methods: We reviewed the charts of 93 patients (94 eyes) with heterochromic iridocyclitis who had cataract extraction and IOL implantation by the same surgeon. In six patients, the IOL was placed in the anterior chamber; 9 received Binkhorst four-loop IOLs sutured at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, and 79 received posterior chamber IOLs, 15 in the sulcus and 64 in the capsular bag. Follow-up was from 6 months to 10 years (mean 41 months).

Results: Precipitates on the IOL surface and white keratic precipitates were detected in 65.5% of eyes. Most eyes had minimal anterior segment activity. No severe uveitis was observed. The major problem, observed in 12.3% of the patients, was glaucoma. Best corrected postoperative visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 76.6% of eyes.

Conclusion: Eyes with heterochromic iridocyclitis responded well to cataract extraction with IOL implantation. The restoration of satisfactory binocular vision justifies IOL implantation in patients with Fuchs' unilateral syndrome.