Abstract
Purpose: :
To study with a long follow up lens opacities formation in eyes with an implantable contact lens (ICL) used for correction of moderate to high myopia.
Methods: :
: An ICL (model V3 or V4, Staar Surgical AG) was implanted in 104 eyes. Three months after surgery and again at the last follow–up examination, the transparency of the crystalline lens was assessed on transilluminated photographs and the vaulting of the ICL over the crystalline lens was evaluated. Central and peripheral vaulting were measured on photographs obtained with a Scheimpflug camera.
Results: :
The mean follow–up was 55 ± 4 months (range 11 to 86 months).All cases had clear crystalline lens 3 months after surgery. The number of lens opacities increased with the duration of the follow–up. 39 anterior subcapsular lens opacities occurred with time. Opacities developed more commonly and quickly in older patients. All 39 opacities occurred when the central vaulting was equal to or less than 0.36 mm.Vaulting showed a slight decrease over time. No statistically significant difference in vaulting was found between models V3 and V4.
Conclusions: :
Central and/or peripheral contact between the ICL and the crystalline lens may be responsible for the high incidence of ASCC formation in this study. Central vaulting greater than 0.36 mm appears to protect the crystalline lens from cataract formation.
Keywords: intraocular lens • crystalline lens • refractive surgery