A review of one thousand cases of intracapsular cataract extraction: I. Complications.

A comprehensive review of 1,000 cases of intracapsular cataract extraction in the hands of a single surgeon was undertaken. Eyes with identifiable pathology in addition to cataract noted prior to surgery have an increased incidence of complications. Eyes operated at a younger age have an increased incidence of inadvertent extracapsular extraction, vitreous loss, flat anterior chamber, conjunctival bleb formation, and retinal detachment. Adoption of cryosurgery for lens removal reduced the incidence of inadvertent extracapsular extraction in eyes predisposed to complication. The use of monofilament nylon suture in a continuous closure reduced the incidence of bleb formation and eliminated the necessity for re-operation for complications of wound closure.