Cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation after fistulizing glaucoma surgery.

Cataract extraction with implantation of an intraocular lens was performed in 33 patients who had previously undergone fistulizing glaucoma surgery. A functioning filtering bleb and normal intraocular pressure were important preoperative criteria, however success depended largely upon enhanced postoperative aqueous outflow. Bleb failure following cataract surgery may be caused by prolonged intraoperative hypotony, vitreous or intraocular lens occlusion of the filtering site, or the presence of postoperative inflammatory components in the aqueous. Extracapsular cataract extraction was the most satisfactory technique. Most cases received prepupillary iridocapsular lenses.