ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the visual outcome of eyes undergoing Artisan lens implantation for aphakia, to identify reasons for poor outcomes, and to report incidences of post-operative uveitis, glaucoma, or hyphaema. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 32 eyes rendered aphakic through various causes, which subsequently underwent Artisan lens implantation. RESULTS: A total of 32 eyes from 31 patients were reviewed. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 42 months, mean 17.3 months. The commonest cause of aphakia was following complicated phacoemulsification in 17 of the 32 eyes (53.1%). At final follow-up, 21 of the 32 eyes (65.6%) achieved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) better than that measured pre-operatively and 10 of the 32 eyes (31.3%) matched their pre-operative BCVA. Of 33 eyes, only 1 (0.03%) attained a final BCVA worse than pre-operatively, owing to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. A total of 4 of the 33 eyes (12.5%) had pre-existing glaucoma or ocular hypertension; no additional intraocular pressure problems were identified during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that Artisan iris claw lens insertion is beneficial in acquired aphakia, matching or exceeding pre-operative BCVA in the overwhelming majority of the cases. In addition, this series did not identify any post-operative problems with uveitis, glaucoma, or hyphaema.