Implantation of Artisan toric phakic intraocular lenses for the correction of astigmatism and spherical errors in patients with keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correction of astigmatism and spherical ametropia in patients with keratoconus through implantation of an Artisan toric phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) (Ophtec, Groningen, The Netherlands).

METHODS

Artisan toric PIOLs were implanted uneventfully in both eyes of three patients with keratoconus with clear central corneas and contact lens intolerance.

RESULTS

Best spectacle-corrected subjective visual acuity after lens implantation was unchanged in one eye and improved in five eyes. Spherical equivalent refraction was significantly reduced in all eyes (P=.03). The safety index was 1.49.

CONCLUSIONS

The implantation of an Artisan toric PIOL may be an alternative for treating astigmatism and myopia in contact lens intolerant patients with keratoconus with clear central corneas. Especially in patients with associated myopia, this procedure is worth considering before planning a penetrating keratoplasty.