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Surgeon recommends bilateral, sequential phakic lens implantation
CHICAGO — Same day, bilateral, sequential implantation of the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens produces safe results with time-saving advantages for the patient, one surgeon said here.
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During the annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Michael B. Brenner, MD, presented retrospective multicenter data on 100 cases in which he implanted the Visian ICL (STAAR Surgical) bilaterally.
"We definitely feel this is absolutely safe. We feel that going to bilateral, sequential surgery might even add attention to detail not only by the surgeon, but by the OR staff with which you're working," Dr. Brenner said.
Dr. Brenner said that 89% of his treated patients had uncorrected visual acuity better than or equal to their best corrected visual acuity preoperatively. Complications were rare but included an IOP spike in 1% of patients and superficial punctate keratitis in 2% of patients.
Even though the implantations are performed sequentially, Dr. Brenner stressed the importance of treating the implantations as separate procedures to maintain a sterile environment.
"We use always two separate trays, new gown, new gloves between eyes," he said. "You have to have two sets of instruments and your OR staff has to always be conscious of sterility and cleaning procedures."
Dr. Brenner also noted that the insurance carrier for the surgeon and his or her ASC would need to sign off on performing this off-label procedure.
"I'm very happy to see that 18% of [those who voluntarily reported to the manufacturer Web site] are doing bilateral sequential and hopefully that number is going to increase," he said. "Definitely, the convenience to the patient is less time away from their work and life schedule."