Choice and Implications of Intraocular Lens in Retinal Surgery

Insertion of the optimal intraocular lens prior to retinal surgery is a topic of interest to both anterior and posterior segment surgeons. There are a number of factors that must be considered prior to intraocular lens selection when a secondary surgery is planned. The areas of intraocular lens opacification post-gas tamponade or use of silicone oil, efficacy of blue light-blocking lenses, prevention of dysphotopsias and glistenings, and appropriate selection of intraocular lenses to reduce the likelihood of capsule phimosis and subsequent lens subluxation are reviewed. This chapter explores some of these factors, distils what might constitute the “ideal” IOL and provides recommendations regarding the most appropriate intraocular lens choice in cataract surgery preceding vitreoretinal surgery.