Visual outcomes following Artisan aphakia iris claw lens implantation

To assess the visual outcome of eyes undergoing Artisan lens implantation for aphakia, to identify reasons for poor outcomes, and to report incidences of post-operative uveitis, glaucoma, or hyphaema.

A retrospective analysis of 32 eyes rendered aphakic through various causes, which subsequently underwent Artisan lens implantation.

A total of 32 eyes from 31 patients were reviewed. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 42 months, mean 17.3 months. The commonest cause of aphakia was following complicated phacoemulsification in 17 of the 32 eyes (53.1%). At final follow-up, 21 of the 32 eyes (65.6%) achieved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) better than that measured pre-operatively and 10 of the 32 eyes (31.3%) matched their pre-operative BCVA. Of 33 eyes, only 1 (0.03%) attained a final BCVA worse than pre-operatively, owing to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. A total of 4 of the 33 eyes (12.5%) had pre-existing glaucoma or ocular hypertension; no additional intraocular pressure problems were identified during the follow-up period.

This study suggests that Artisan iris claw lens insertion is beneficial in acquired aphakia, matching or exceeding pre-operative BCVA in the overwhelming majority of the cases. In addition, this series did not identify any post-operative problems with uveitis, glaucoma, or hyphaema.