Comparison of retropupillary fixated iris-claw lenses and sulcus placed intraocular lenses for the treatment of aphakia

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the visual outcomes and safety profile of retropupillary fixated iris claw lenses (RPICLs) and sulcus placed posterior chamber intraocular lenses (SIPCIOL) in the management of aphakia. Materials and Methods: This was a comparative, observational study, which included 87 eyes of 84 patients who underwent RPICL or SIPCIOL for aphakia. BCVA at 6 weeks, mean prediction error, post-eperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results: Group 1 (RPICL group) consisted of 47 eyes of 45 patients and Group 2 (SIPCIOL group) consisted of 40 eyes of 39 patients. Mean age was 67.13 ± 9.33 years in Group 1 and 59.91 ± 16.62 years in Group 2. There was statistically significant difference between preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and post op BCVA at 6 weeks in Group 1 (P = 0.001, paired t-test) and Group 2 (P = 0.001, paired t-test). There was no significant difference in BCVA between the groups at 6 weeks (P = 0.54, unpaired t-test). There was no statistically significant difference in BCVA at 6 weeks between primary surgery and secondary surgery in Group 1 (P = 0.34, unpaired t-test) and Group 2 (P = 0.59, unpaired t-test). The mean prediction error in Group 1 was 0.41 ± 0.58 D and in Group 2 was 0.18 ± 0.20 and was not significant (P = 0.61, unpaired t-test). There was no significant difference between the two groups in mean intraocular pressure at 1 week (P = 0.43, paired t-test) and at 6 weeks (P = 0.83, paired t-test). There was no significant difference between the two groups in operative complications. Conclusion: RPICL was comparable with SIPCIOLs in terms of BCVA at 6 weeks, intraocular lens prediction error, and operative complications.