Artisan iris-supported phakic IOL implantation in patients with keratoconus: a review of 16 eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of Artisan phakic intraocular lens (PIOL; Ophtec BV) implantation in patients with stable keratoconus.

METHODS

In a prospective, nonrandomized case series, 14 Artisan PIOLs and 2 toric Artisan PIOLs were implanted in 13 patients (16 eyes) with stable keratoconus who had contact lens intolerance. Pre- and postoperative data were collected.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 14.2 ± 7.8 months. Preoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was counting fingers in all patients. Mean final logMAR (Snellen equivalent) UDVA and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were 0.15(20/28) ± 0.13 and 0.11(20/26) ± 0.10, respectively. The improvements in UDVA and CDVA were statistically significant (P<.0001 and P<.002, respectively). All patients achieved a final UDVA of 20/40 or better, and 84.6% had a final CDVA of 20/32 or better. No postoperative complications occurred except for two cases of sterile uveitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Implantation of the Artisan PIOL is effective in improving visual acuity in patients with stable keratoconus. Long-term safety remains to be established as no postoperative endothelial cell counts were performed.