A comparison of intracapsular and extracapsular lens extraction combined with keratoplasty.

The clinical outcome and final visual acuities of 29 patients with intracapsular lens extraction and keratoplasty to 38 patients having extracapsular cataract extraction and keratoplasty were compared. Grafts remained clear in 89% of the intracapsular group and 82% of the extracapsular group over an average follow-up of 38 months and 21 months, respectively. Ninety-one percent of eyes with intracapsular lens extraction and 70% of eyes in the extracapsular group achieved a final visual acuity of 6/21 (20/70) or better. We found a significantly higher incidence of additional surgery in the extracapsular group and glaucoma in intracapsular combined cases. Late vitreous prolapse with vitreo-endothelial membrane formation and graft decompensation was a discouraging complication in three eyes having intracapsular extractions.