[Iris-claw phakic intraocular lens for high myopia correction. Visual and refractive results]

To determine predictability, efficacy, complications and patient's satisfaction to phakic intraocular lens (Artisan) in highly myopic patients.

Retrospective study of 65 eyes (36 patients), with preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) between -9,75 and -25,0 diopters (D) operated on by a single surgeon (JAD) between January 1999 and August 2001. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refraction, postoperative complications, and patient's subjective response were evaluated.

UCVA evaluated 3 months postoperatively was 0.47 and BSCVA was 0.62. An average gain of 2.3 lines was observed with respect to the preoperative BSCVA. Refraction between +/-0.50 D from emmetropia ocurred in 49.23% of the eyes, and between +/- 1.0 D in 78.46% of the eyes. The difference between intended SE (preoperative SE minus IOL diopter) and achieved postoperative SE, showed a 0.55 D mean undercorrection. An intraocular pressure (IOP) over 30 mmHg was seen in 10% of the eyes in the immediate postoperative period. Night halos/glare perception was <> in 20% of the eyes, and in 90.77% of the cases the patient showed satisfaction with the results of the procedure.

Artisan iris-claw phakic lens implantation in highly myopic eyes is a safe procedure that increases BSCVA. It was observed a tendency towards undercorrection in the postoperative refractive outcome.