Iris-claw IOLs yield comparable outcomes to alternative IOL types

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2011;37(9):1667-1672.

Implantation of an iris-claw IOL proved to be a viable option for cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange in eyes lacking sufficient capsular support, a study found.

"Iris-claw IOL implantation for aphakia gave a good visual outcome and can be used for a wide range of indications," the study authors said. "Postoperative complication rates were comparable to, if not better than, those with conventional anterior chamber IOLs. Correct implantation technique is critical in avoiding postoperative IOL subluxation."

The retrospective study included 116 eyes of 104 patients. Sixty-three eyes were implanted with the Artisan iris-claw IOL (Ophtec) and 53 eyes received the Verisyse iris claw IOL (Abbott Medical Optics).

Iris-claw IOLs were inserted during primary lens surgery in 18 eyes, during IOL exchange for dislocated posterior chamber IOLs in 19 eyes and as a secondary procedure in 79 eyes. Mean patient age was 61.2 years. Mean follow-up was 22.4 months.

Study results showed median final corrected distance visual acuity was 6/9; 80 eyes (68.9%) had corrected distance visual acuity of 6/12 or better. Median final corrected distance visual acuity was 6/12 or better in 47 of 53 eyes with no previous comorbidity (88.7%); 20 eyes in this group, or 37.7%, had median final corrected distance visual acuity of 6/6 or better.

The most prevalent complications were postoperative IOP rise in 9.5% of eyes, cystoid macular edema in 7.7%, wound leak in 6% and iris-claw IOL dislocation in 6%. All subluxated implants were repositioned successfully.

Corneal decompensation was identified in 1.7% of eyes; 0.8% had retinal detachment, the authors said.