[The use of a foldable, iris-fixated, phakic intraocular lens for the correction of myopia]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictability and visual outcome of a foldable silicone iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens (Artiflex, Ophtec) for the correction of moderate to high myopia.

A retrospective cohort study with 34 eyes of 20 patients was undertaken. All patients underwent similar lens implantation with iris enclavation. The follow-up was 6 months.

At the final visit, 81% of eyes were within 0.5 D of the target spherical equivalent. Intraocular lenses with -12.0 to -14.5 D power showed a mean overcorrection of +0.81 D. The highest mean overcorrection of +1.45 D was shown by the Artiflex lenses with -14.5 D of power. The postoperative refraction remained stable, but the postoperative uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity increased over time. 56% of eyes gained 1 or more Snellen lines of best-corrected visual acuity; one eye lost one line. No intraoperative complication was noticed. Two eyes showed prolonged intraocular inflammation.

The implantation of the phakic Artiflex intraocular lens was safe and showed a good predictability and safety for the correction of moderate to high myopia. It is an efficient alternative for laser in-situ keratomileusis, especially in high myopia, leading to a stable refraction one month postoperatively.