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Epikeratophakia for correction of complicated aphakia
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto, Ont.
Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology. Journal Canadien D'Ophtalmologie
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Epikeratophakia effectively corrects aphakia, a condition of lacking a natural lens. This refractive surgery offers improved visual acuity and refractive outcomes for patients with various causes of aphakia.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
Background:
- Aphakia, the absence of the eye's natural lens, can result from various conditions including cataracts and trauma.
- Traditional methods for aphakia correction include intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, which may have contraindications for some patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of epikeratophakia as a surgical treatment for aphakia.
- To assess visual acuity and refractive outcomes following epikeratophakia in a cohort of patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 21 patients (22 eyes) who underwent epikeratophakia for aphakia.
- Analysis of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) pre- and post-operatively.
- Assessment of postoperative refractive error in diopters.
Main Results:
- Mean BCVA improved from 20/32.0 pre-surgery to 20/38.6 post-surgery.
- Significant improvement in UCVA was observed in all treated eyes.
- 91% of eyes achieved BCVA within two lines of preoperative levels; 100% within four lines.
- Postoperative refractive error was within 3.0 diopters of emmetropia in 20 eyes, and within 5.0 diopters in all eyes.
Conclusions:
- Epikeratophakia is a viable and effective alternative for correcting aphakia in patients unsuitable for or with complications from IOL implantation.
- The procedure demonstrates favorable visual and refractive outcomes with a low complication rate.