Pure ICL Implantation: A Novel Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device-Free Method

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation
• Refractive Surgery

Background:

• Traditional intraocular collamer lens (EVO-ICL) implantation often utilizes ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs).
• OVDs can be associated with complications such as increased intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Exploring OVD-free techniques is crucial for improving surgical safety and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a new OVD-free method for EVO-ICL implantation.
• To compare the outcomes of OVD-free (pure) EVO-ICL implantation with the traditional OVD-assisted method in myopic patients.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 40 patients undergoing bilateral EVO-ICL implantation.
• One eye received traditional ICL implantation, while the fellow eye received OVD-free (pure) ICL implantation.
• Preoperative and postoperative outcomes including visual acuity, refractive error, IOP, visual quality, and corneal endothelial cell density were assessed.

Main Results:

• The OVD-free group showed significantly improved uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, BCVA) and spherical equivalent (SE) 1 day post-surgery.
• No significant IOP elevation was observed in the OVD-free group, unlike the traditional group (P < 0.001).
• Operation time was significantly shorter in the OVD-free group (2.9 min vs. 4.4 min, P < 0.001), with no increase in complications.

Conclusions:

• The OVD-free EVO-ICL implantation method leads to faster visual recovery and reduced operation time.
• This technique offers more stable intraocular pressure post-surgery compared to the traditional method.
• Pure EVO-ICL implantation is a safe, convenient, and effective alternative, eliminating OVD-related risks.