Prospective study of the SI-40NB foldable silicone intraocular lens

To evaluate the surgical performance and postoperative outcomes of 100 consecutive implantations of the new AMO PhacoFlex SI-40NB foldable intraocular lens (IOL).

Concord Hospital and Dalcross Private Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

This prospective study comprised 100 consecutive patients who had endocapsular phacoemulsification cataract surgery with implantation of the AMO SI-40NB IOL, which has a silicone optic and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) haptics. Patients were excluded if trabeculectomy was performed concomitantly. The main outcome measures were control of folding, ease of implantation, centration, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and visual acuity. A minimum of 4 months follow-up was planned.

Mean follow-up was 4.3 months +/- 2.1 (SD) (range 1 to 12 months). The lens permitted excellent control of folding and insertion, as well as excellent centration at surgery and 4 months. There was one lens-related intraoperative complication because of crimping of the trailing lens haptic. Postoperative complications were minimal, and 92% of patients achieved a visual acuity of 20/20 or better at 1 and 4 months. Excluding the eyes with retinal pathology, 100% achieved 20/20 or better at 4 months.

The AMO SI-40NB three-piece silicone IOL with PMMA haptics provided excellent operative control, centration, and visual outcome and is suitable for small incision cataract surgery.