Correction of myopic astigmatism with a foldable iris-claw toric phakic intraocular lens: Short-term follow-up

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy, predictability, stability, and complications after implantation of a foldable iris-fixated toric phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) to correct myopic astigmatism. University Eye Clinic, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria. Retrospective nonrandomized observational case series. The study assessed eyes having implantation of an Artiflex toric pIOL with spherical power ranging from -1.0 to -13.5 diopters (D) and additional cylinder from -1.0 to -5.0 D, both in 0.5 D increments. The main parameters were uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, manifest refraction stability, slitlamp biomicroscopy, tonometry, and central endothelial cell count (ECC). The study enrolled 42 eyes of 24 patients with a mean age of 35 years (range 18 to 52 years), a mean spherical equivalent of -7.52 D ± 2.22 (SD) (range -2.63 to -13.0 D), and a mean preoperative cylinder of -1.82 ± 0.96 D (range -1.0 to -5.0 D). Six months postoperatively, the UDVA (Snellen lines) was 1.0 or better in 38 eyes (90%). The CDVA improved by 1 line in 22 eyes (52%) and by 2 lines in 2 eyes (5%); no eye lost lines. All eyes were within ±0.50 of the target refraction (spherical equivalent); the mean refractive astigmatism was -0.18 ± 0.30 D. Refraction was stable from 1 day postoperatively. A slight ECC loss (-0.72%) occurred at 6 months. There were no serious complications. After a short-time follow-up, toric pIOL implantation was effective, predictable, stable, and safe for the correction of myopic astigmatism.