Should diabetes be a contraindication for an intraocular lens?

Twenty-five patients with Binkhorst 4-loop intraocular lenses were studied to assess the ease of visualization of their fundi, and the feasibility of treating diabetic retinopathy. All patients had fulfilled several pre-operative selection criteria. Visualization with the direct ophthalmoscope and posterior pole contact lens was good in most cases through undilated pupils. Documentation of fundus abnormalities by fundus photography and fluorescein angiography was possible only if the pupils were dilated. Retinal photocoagulation with argon laser could be carried out through the intraocular lenses in all patients requiring treatment. Iris clip lenses should not be regarded as contraindicated in selected diabetic patients.