Posterior iris fixation of the iris-claw intraocular lens implantation through a scleral tunnel incision

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the technique, efficacy, and safety of posterior iris fixation of iris-claw intraocular lens (IOLs) implantation through a scleral tunnel incision for aphakia correction.

Design: Noncomparative, interventional case series.

Methods: A secondary posterior iris fixation of the Artisan iris-claw IOL (Ophthec BV, Groningen, The Netherlands) was implanted for aphakia correction in the authors' clinical practice. Uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), astigmatism, manifest refraction, lens position, pigment dispersion, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were evaluated in 32 consecutive eyes of 32 patients.

Results: BSCVA was 20/40 or better in 28 eyes (87.50%) during the mean follow-up time (nine months). Mean postoperative spherical equivalent was -0.70 diopters (D; standard deviation [SD], 0.47 D) at six months after surgery. Mean prediction error was -0.13 D (SD, 0.28 D), and mean absolute prediction error was 0.26 D (SD, 0.15 D). Preoperative mean astigmatism was -1.08 D (SD, 0.55 D; range, 0.0 to -2.0 D). At six months after surgery, mean astigmatism was -2.1 D (SD, 0.81 D; range, -0.75 to -3.75 D). There was no significant postoperative IOP increase. Lens position, evaluated by Oculus Pentacam (Pentacam 70700: Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) and ultrasound biomicroscopy [UBM] (Ophthalmic Technologies Inc, Toronto, Ontario, Canada), was parallel to the iris plane.

Conclusions: Posterior iris fixation of the iris-claw IOL implantation through a scleral tunnel incision is a safe procedure and an effective option for aphakic eyes without capsule support.