Modern simple extracapsular surgery.

A series of 444 aphakic eyes is reviewed in which extracapsular extraction was performed by modern simple instrumentation followed by the insertion of a posterior chamber lens. The visual results of 93.5 per cent seeing 6/12 (20/40) or better in an age group of 70 years plus is satisfactory. The hospitalization is short and visual recovery rapid. Complications have been few and it has been shown that peripheral iridectomy is not required in most cases as they are not subject to pupil-block glaucoma. The main problem with extracapsular extraction is the incidence of needlings of 9 per cent rising to 16 per cent with longer follow-up. Despite this it is felt that the advantages of extracapsular extraction, with rapid visual rehabilitation and a lower incidence of cystoid macular oedema and retinal detachment, outweigh the disadvantages.