Retinal reattachment rates and visual results were analyzed in 227 consecutive primary pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. The overall anatomic reattachment rate was 90%, with no significant difference between the anterior chamber (AC) and posterior chamber intraocular lens groups. Visual results were significantly worse in the AC lens group (P less than 0.05). Negative prognostic indicators for reattachment included age greater than 65 years, poorer preoperative vision, larger extent of the retinal detachment, inability to identify a retinal break, longer duration of symptoms before presentation, and grades C or D proliferative vitreoretinopathy (P less than 0.05). In addition to the above factors, eyes with AC reaction, AC lenses, and macular detachment had a poorer visual prognosis.