Foldable iris-fixated phakic IOL proves effective, stable for myopic correction

Ophthalmology. 2009;116(4):671-677.

A foldable iris-fixated phakic IOL was effective and predictable in correcting myopia in phakic eyes, according to 2-year results of a multicenter trial.

The study authors presented outcomes of the foldable Artiflex iris-fixated phakic IOL (Ophtec).

"Complications were comparable with complications that have been reported previously of the Artisan [phakic] IOL, the only exception being a higher incidence of iris pigment precipitates (4.8% at 2 years after surgery)," they said.

The prospective, non-randomized trial included 290 eyes of 191 patients 18 to 60 years old with spherical equivalent of –7.33 D ± 2.60 D (range, –12.63 D to –1.5 D). All eyes underwent implantation of the Artiflex with an optic zone of 6 mm. IOL power ranged from –2 D to –12 D, the authors said.

Outcome measures assessed at 2-year follow-up were best corrected visual acuity, uncorrected visual acuity, refraction and endothelial cell count.

At 2 years, 97.2% of eyes had UCVA of 20/40 or better; all eyes had BCVA of 20/40 or better. A gain of one or more lines of BCVA was seen in 49.9% of eyes; 0.8% lost two or more lines. Mean endothelial cell count change was –0.05% at 6 months, 1.79% at 1 year and –1.07% at 2 years, the authors said.