To evaluate the clinical outcomes of secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes that underwent pars plana vitrectomy and lens removal due to ocular trauma.

We retrospectively investigated 40 vitrectomized aphakic eyes that had received secondary IOL from March 2005 to January 2012. Various parameters including pre- and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were reviewed.

Incidence was higher in males (n = 35, 89.7%) and highest in the 6th decade of life (n = 13, 33.3%). Mean preoperative refractive error was +9.99 ± 2.80 D in spherical equivalent, and astigmatism was 1.80 ± 1.73 D. Mean BCVA (log MAR) was 0.53 ± 0.51 preoperatively and 0.54 ± 0.46 at 6 months postoperatively. Postoperative refractive error was -1.28 ± 1.40 D and the astigmatism was 2.54 ± 1.52 D. The difference between the target and postoperative refractive error was a myopic shift of -0.63 ± 1.44 D. Postoperative BCVA had no significant correlation with preoperative factors other than preoperative BCVA ( p < 0.001). The most common complication was temporarily increased IOP in 4 eyes. Choroidal detachment, recurrence of retinal detachment, bullous keratopathy, and cystoid macular edema were each found in 1 eye. IOL dislocation was corrected with reoperation in 2 eyes.

Secondary IOL implantation can be performed safely in vitrectomized aphakic eyes due to ocular trauma and can be recommended in patients with good preoperative BCVA. Myopic shift of the postoperative refractive error should be considered when calculating IOL power.