OBJECTIVE To review the visual and surgical outcome of planned intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE) and anterior chamber intraocular lens (AC IOL) implantation for subluxated crystalline lenses. METHODS Eight eyes of 7 patients with subluxated lenses which underwent planned ICCE, AC IOL implantation and peripheral iridectomy by one surgeon between September 1995 and November 1996 were prospectively followed-up to ascertain their visual and surgical outcome. RESULTS There were 4 male and 3 female patients. Their mean age was 64.4 years (range, 39-86 years). Seven lenses were removed by cryoextraction while one was removed with the aid of a vectis. The mean post-operative follow-up was 11.6 months, (range, 3-22 months). Excluding 1 eye with pre-existing ocular pathology, all eyes achieved a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/12 or better post-operatively. One of these eyes, in a schizophrenia patient, developed subluxation of the AC IOL and retinal detachment 11 months after the cataract surgery due to repeated eye rubbing. The final BCVA became 6/120 after successful repositioning of the AC IOL and retinal re-attachment surgery. One eye achieved a BCVA of 6/36 due to age-related macular degeneration. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that planned ICCE and AC IOL implantation is a useful and safe procedure in the management of subluxated lenses.