Microincision bimanual phacoemulsification and Thinoptx implantation through a 1.70 mm incision

To prospectively assess the efficacy of bimanual phacoemulsification and implantation of Thinoptx, an injectable intraocular lens (IOL), inserted through 1.70 mm clear corneal incision.

Department of Ophthalmology, Southend Hospital NHS Trust, UK.

A total of 50 eyes of 49 randomly selected patients with cataracts had microincision clear corneal bimanual phacoemulsification (MICS) with implantation of Thinoptx IOL in the capsular bag. All patients underwent full preoperative assessment. Postoperative assessment was carried out at 3 and 6 weeks and at 15 months.

In all 50 cases the IOL was inserted through 1.70 mm clear corneal incision. The mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.02 (6/6-1) at 6 weeks and was 0.17 (6/10) at the final follow-up. The mean final surgically induced astigmatism at 6 weeks was 0.0106. Coloured haloes around artificial lights were perceived by 69.23% of patients at 6 weeks and by 61.29% at the final follow-up. One patient underwent IOL exchange for this. Posterior capsular opacification was noticed in 31.26% at 6 weeks and in 64.51% at 15 months. Anterior capsular opacification was noticed in 5.26% at 6 weeks and in 16.12% at 15 months. In one patient the IOL had to be exchanged because of tilt and displacement of the IOL due to anterior capsular phimosis.

We conclude Thinoptx can be safely inserted through 1.70 mm incision used for bimanual phacoemulsification. Distance and near visual acuity achieved with this IOL is satisfactory. There is no significant change in keratometric astigmatism following this procedure. However, posterior capsular opacification rate was significantly higher with this IOL. Haloes around light sources were significant.