Correction of hyperopia by intracorneal lenses: two-year follow-up.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To assess the safety and efficacy of intracorneal lenses as a surgical alternative for the correction of hyperopia.

SETTING:

Al-Azhar University and El Magrabi Eye Hospital, Cairo, Egypt.

METHODS:

Twenty-three eyes of 21 patients who had a mean hyperopia of 4.3 diopters (D) +/- 0.71 (SD) (range +2.5 to +6.0 D) received Permavision lenses (Anamed Inc.), which are made of a highly permeable hydrogel with a water content of 78% and a refractive index close to that of corneal tissue (1.376). The Moria M2 microkeratome was used to make a 160 microm corneal flap with a diameter of +/-8.5 mm. The intracorneal lens was placed beneath the flap after minimal interface irrigation.

RESULTS:

Clinical examination showed mild corneal edema and a myopic shift during the first week postoperatively. In 17 eyes (73.9%), the postoperative uncorrected visual acuity was similar to the preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA); 1 eye (4.3%) lost 1 line of preoperative BCVA. In 5 eyes (21.7%), various degrees of lens opacification with some degree of corneal haze were seen after uneventful follow-up. Decentration of 0.5 to 1.0 mm was seen in 2 eyes (8.6%), 1 of which had the lens explanted because of significant opacification. Induced astigmatism was evident in 1 eye (-1.5 D). A total of 16 eyes (69.6%) were within +/-0.5 D of target, and 20 eyes (86.9%) were within +/-1.0 D (87%). No flap melting or extrusion of the lens was recorded in 24 months of follow-up. Night halos and glare were reported in 3 eyes; all had a lens diameter of 5.0 mm.

CONCLUSIONS:

Intracorneal hydrogel lenses were tolerated relatively well by stromal tissue, providing a reasonably stable and predictable way to correct moderate hyperopia. However, induced astigmatism, stromal opacification, decentration, and night halos and glare occurred in a significant number of eyes. To ensure safety, deep flap cuts are preferred and these eyes should be watched carefully to avoid decentration of the lens in the early postoperative period.

• Authors: Mahmoud M Ismail
• Journal: Journal of cataract and refractive surgery (J Cataract Refract Surg) Vol. 32 Issue 10 Pg. 1657-60 (Oct 2006) ISSN: 0886-3350 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17010863 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate

Topics

• Adult
• Corneal Stroma (surgery)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Hyperopia (surgery)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate
• Postoperative Complications
• Prostheses and Implants
• Prosthesis Implantation
• Surgical Flaps
• Visual Acuity