Contrast sensitivity after posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation for high myopia.

Abstract

To evaluate contrast sensitivity after posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation for the correction of high myopia. Twenty eyes of ten patients had a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (Staar ICL) implanted to correct high myopia. Mean preoperative myopia was -14.10+/-2.70 D. Follow-up was 24 months for all patients. Contrast sensitivity was tested with best spectacle-corrected visual acuity preoperatively and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. Contrast sensitivity increased after surgery in all spatial frequencies. Normal values were achieved for low and intermediate spatial frequencies (3 and 6 c/deg). However, in spite of the improvement, values were still below normal for high spatial frequencies (12 and 18 c/deg). When the first postoperative examination was not considered, there were no statistically significant differences in contrast sensitivity values at different postoperative periods. Contrast sensitivity increased after posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation (Staar ICL) in all spatial frequencies when compared to preoperative contrast sensitivity (best spectacle-corrected).