Photocoagulation After Posterior Chamber Lens Implantation

To the Editor.  —In his editorial entitled "Are There Any Retinal Contraindications to Cataract Extraction and Posterior Chamber Lens Implants?" Dr Tasman¹ pointed out quite correctly that it is easier to treat with photocoagulation if no implant is used after cataract surgery. Accordingly, he recommended that no intraocular lens (IOL) be implanted when panretinal photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy is contemplated.Since visual rehabilitation by aphakic spectacles or contact lenses after cataract surgery is far less satisfactory than IOLs, posterior chamber lens implantation should be considered in spite of the possible difficulty of future photocoagulation. To minimize the problem of the nondilating pupil after implant surgery, I have been routinely atropinizing my diabetic patients following posterior chamber implantation. Since the development of posterior synechiae in the early postoperative period results in relatively immobile pupils, my practice of keeping the pupil dilated assures a large pupil even if the iris