Penetrating keratoplasty and intraocular lens exchange: open-loop anterior chamber lenses versus sutured posterior chamber lenses.

Penetrating keratoplasty with intraocular lens (IOL) exchange is generally recommended for eyes with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, especially when the keratopathy is associated with uveitis, chronic cystoid macular edema, or a uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome. Review of the literature has shown basically equivalent long-term results of penetrating keratoplasty and IOL exchange using both Kelman-style, flexible, open-loop anterior chamber lenses and acapsular fixation of sutured posterior chamber lenses. The use of suture-fixated posterior chamber IOLs appears warranted in centers where the surgeon has extensive experience with this specific technique and in cases with special indications, for example, in eyes with extensive angle abnormalities. However, because this technique is more difficult to perform, and in the absence of such preexisting contraindications, for most practices we do not hesitate to recommend the use of a Kelman-style anterior chamber lens during routine cases of penetrating keratoplasty and IOL exchange.