Artisan lens implantation to correct aphakia after vitrectomy for retained nuclear lens fragments.

PURPOSE: To report the results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for retained lens fragments with implantation of an Artisan intraocular lens (IOL) (Ophtec) to correct aphakia.

SETTING

University-based referral center.

METHODS

In this retrospective case-controlled study, patients who had had a PPV to remove dislocated lens fragments and implantation of an Artisan IOL for pseudophakic correction during initial cataract surgery or PPV were reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were identified. The preoperative visual acuity was better than 20/200 in 5 patients and the intraocular pressure (IOP) was higher than 21 mm Hg in 8 patients; 3 patients had normal corneas. In 4 patients, an Artisan IOL was implanted during cataract surgery. Postoperative complications included recurrent erosion (1 eye), premacular fibrosis (2 eyes), and a retinal tear (1 eye). Elevation of the IOP occurred in 2 patients and was controllable with medication. Pupillary block developed in 1 patient and persistent cystoid macular edema in another. All but 2 patients gained more than 2 lines of visual acuity postoperatively, and all corneas remained clear during the follow-up (mean 28.9 months; range 2.5 to 69.0 months).

CONCLUSIONS

After the removal of dislocated lens fragments with a PPV, Artisan IOL implantation in aphakic patients without capsule support led to few complications and good visual acuity. Placement of an Artisan IOL requires fewer manipulations than transscleral suture fixation of a posterior chamber IOL.