Purpose: To analyze the postoperative outcome and complication rate following cataract extraction because of post-traumatic lens opacification.Setting: University medical center.Methods: A retrospective analysis was done of 148 eyes with traumatic cataracts operated on between 1978 and 1992. Age, sex, traumatic sequelae, surgical strategies, and postoperative complications were reviewed for all eyes.Results: In 85 eyes, Group A, a history of blunt trauma could be ascertained. In 63 eyes, Group B, there had been a penetrating injury. Secondary glaucoma was observed more frequently in patients with blunt trauma. A posterior chamber intraocular lens was implanted in 85% of Group A eyes and in 67% of Group B eyes. Mild or moderate postoperative complications occurred in 15% of all cases. Postoperatively, the incidence of glaucoma remained unchanged. Visual acuity improved in 90% of eyes. Ten percent of eyes did not benefit from cataract surgery because of severe traumatic involvement of the retina or optic nerve.Conclusions: In this study, a majority of eyes with traumatic cataract were safely rehabilitated with posterior chamber lens implantation. Visual acuity improved in 90% of eyes; complications were seen in 15%.