AIM: To determine the optimal operation method and reduce operative complications by retrospective analysis of outcomes of different operative manipulation for patients with congenital ectopia lentis(CEL).

METHODS: A retrospective study ranged from Jan. 1, 2010 to Jan. 1, 2015 was conducted and 31 CEL patients(57 eyes)treated with different operations were taken into this study. The postoperative outcome, operation related complications was analyzed in terms of different operative manipulations.

RESULTS: The most common types of CEL are idiopathic and Marfan-related CEL. All eyes(98%)benefited from operation except 1 Marchesani syndrome eye concurrent with optic atrophy induced by glaucoma. A total of 3 eyes(5%)were treated by phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation; 8 eyes(14%)were treated by phacoemulsification, capsular tension ring implantation combined with intraocular lens implantation, among these 8 eyes, 1 eye was treated with capsular tension ring implantation combined with suture fixation; 39 eyes(68%)were treated by lens excision and anterior vitrectomy through corneal incision combined with intraocular lens implantation with suture fixation, among these 39 eyes, 2 eyes were treated with trabeculectomy, but not combined with intraocular lens implantation; 5 eyes(9%)were treated by intracapsular cataract extraction and anterior vitrectomy combined with intraocular lens implantation with suture fixation; 2 eyes(4%)were treated by lens excision and vitrectomy through pars plana combined with silicon oil injection.

CONCLUSION: Almost all patients can obtain satisfactory outcomes through various operative manipulations. Phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation was the first choice for patients with lens dislocation range less than 90°. Phacoemulsification, capsular tension ring implantation combined with intraocular lens implantation was recommended for 90°-180°, and lens excision and anterior vitrectomy through corneal incision combined with intraocular lens implantation with suture fixation was more suitable for lens dislocation range more than 180°. The appropriate operative methods for different types of CEL patients is the key to success.