Clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction after Visian Implantable Collamer Lens removal and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in eyes with induced cataract

Comparison of ocular biometric measurements and intraocular lens power calculation using different methods in eyes with implantable collamer lenses

This prospective cohort study included 80 healthy candidates for Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) implantation who underwent biometric assessments with Scheimpflug imaging (the Pentacam-AXL) and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT; the IOLMaster-700), both before and 3 months after surgery. The main outcome measures were mean keratometry, anterior chamber depth, axial length, and various intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas (Haigis, SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Barrett Universal 2, and Olsen). The interchangeability of the devices was assessed by generating 95% limits of agreement (95% LoA) and associated Bland-Altman plots. The average age of the participants was 31.5 ± 5.4 years (22-43), with 58 (72.5%) being female. Among the cases analyzed, 11 (13.4%) had incorrect anterior lens surface segmentation using the IOLMaster-700, and 1 case (1.2%) had inappropriate segmentation using the Pentacam-AXL. Postoperative IOL power calculation resulted in readings that were, on average, 0.15 to 0.30 D higher compared to preoperative measurements. The 95% LoAs could differ by up to 0.85 D higher after surgery, indicating weak agreement between pre- and postoperative measurements. There was poor agreement between the IOLMaster-700 and Pentacam-AXL in IOL power calculation for eyes with post-ICL implantation, with a difference of more than 1 D in the 95% LoAs. In conclusion, Scheimpflug imaging was found to be less susceptible than the SS-OCT technique to segmentation errors of the anterior lens surface after ICL implantation. Neither device showed interchangeable results for pre- versus postoperative IOL power calculation. The determination of IOL power by the IOLMaster-700 versus Pentacam-AXL was not interchangeable in eyes with ICL implantation.

Visual Outcomes of Cataract Surgery in Patients with Previous History of Implantable Collamer Lens

Background/Objectives: This retrospective case series analyzed visual outcomes in patients with a prior history of implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation who underwent cataract extraction (CE). A secondary aim was to investigate the relationship between vault height and the rate of cataract development. Methods: Visual acuity and refraction measurements were collected after CE at one week, one month and six months. Vault height measurements were correlated to the time until symptomatic cataracts were removed. Results: A total of 44 eyes were analyzed at six months after CE with efficacy and safety indexes of 1.20 ± 1.11 and 1.50 ± 1.06, respectively. In addition, 70% of eyes had a post-operative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) within one line of pre-operative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). Refractive predictability at six months demonstrated that 43% and 69% of eyes were within ±0.25 D and ±0.50 D of SEQ target, respectively. Astigmatism measured by refractive cylinder was ≤0.25 D in 17% and ≤0.50 D in 34% of eyes pre-operatively compared to 40% and 60% of eyes, respectively, at six months post-operatively. Vault heights one week after ICL (p < 0.0081) and one week before CE (p < 0.0154) demonstrated a positive linear regression with the time until CE. Conclusions: This sample population achieved favorable visual outcomes six months after CE, similar to six months after ICL implantation. Patients with a history of ICL implantation will similarly have a good visual prognosis after CE.

Challenges of refractive cataract surgery in the era of myopia epidemic: a mini-review

Myopia is the leading cause of visual impairment in the world. With ever-increasing prevalence in these years, it creates an alarming global epidemic. In addition to the difficulty in seeing distant objects, myopia also increases the risk of cataract and advances its onset, greatly affecting the productivity of myopes of working age. Cataract management in myopic eyes, especially highly myopic eyes is originally more complicated than that in normal eyes, whereas the growing population of cataract with myopia, increasing popularity of corneal and lens based refractive surgery, and rising demand for spectacle independence after cataract surgery all further pose unprecedented challenges to ophthalmologists. Previous history of corneal refractive surgery and existence of implantable collamer lens will both affect the accuracy of biometry including measurement of corneal curvature and axial length before cataract surgery, which may result in larger intraocular lens (IOL) power prediction errors and a compromise in the surgical outcome especially in a refractive cataract surgery. A prudent choice of formula for cataract patients with different characteristics is essential in improving this condition. Besides, the characteristics of myopic eyes might affect the long-term stability of IOL, which is important for the maintenance of visual outcomes especially after the implantation of premium IOLs, thus a proper selection of IOL accordingly is crucial. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of the impact of myopia epidemic on treatment for cataract and to discuss new challenges that surgeons may encounter in the foreseeable future when planning refractive cataract surgery for myopic patients.

Bilensectomy: Safety and Visual Outcomes in Angle-Supported, Iris-Fixated, and Posterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lenses

PURPOSE

To report the visual and refractive outcomes, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and main causes of bilensectomy in the different types of phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs).

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter study that included 234 eyes of 185 patients that underwent bilensectomy. Patients were divided into three groups depending on the pIOL that was explanted (angle-supported, iris-fixated, or posterior chamber). The main reasons leading to the indication for bilensectomy, time elapsed between pIOL implantation and bilensectomy, intraoperative and postoperative complications, uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA), and endothelial cell density loss 1 year after bilensectomy were evaluated.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant improvement in UDVA and CDVA after bilensectomy in all groups. Cataract development was the main reason for bilensectomy, followed by significant endothelial cell density loss. Time between pIOL implantation and bilensectomy was significantly greater in eyes with an anterior chamber pIOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilensectomy outcomes in general are good. Iris-fixated lenses, particularly hyperopic, are more prone to intraoperative complications and endothelial cell loss than the other pIOLs models. The results show that bilensectomy is a safe and effective procedure with a relatively low rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications and acceptable refractive predictability. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(3):128-134.].

Multicenter clinical outcomes of hole implantable collamer lens implantation in middle-aged patients

To assess the multicenter clinical outcomes of the implantation of hole implantable collamer lens (Hole ICL, ICL KS-AquaPORTTM; STAAR Surgical, Nidau, Switzerland) in patients of 45 years or more. We retrospectively assessed the surgery’s safety, efficacy, predictability, stability, and adverse events before surgery and after the surgery at 1 week; 1, 3, and 6 months; and 1 year, followed by once every year for approximately 2.2 years. A total of 118 eyes of 65 patients aged 45–65 years with myopic refractive errors ranging from − 2.13 to − 18.75 diopters (D) underwent hole ICL implantation and routine postoperative examinations. The average observation period was 2.2 ± 1.0 years. The safety and efficacy indices were 1.08 ±  0.21 and 0.87 ± 0.25, respectively. Manifest refraction changes of − 0.20 ± 0.43 D occurred from 1 month to the final visit after ICL implantation. Eight eyes (6.8%) developed asymptomatic anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) immediately after surgery, and three eyes (2.5%) developed clinically significant symptomatic nuclear cataracts during the follow-up period. According to our experience, hole ICL implantation offered favorable outcomes in all measures of safety, efficacy, predictability, and stability, even in middle-aged patients, during the 2.2-year observation period.

Tuck-and-pull technique for posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens explantation

The tuck-and-pull technique was developed for practical and safe explantations of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses (PCPIOLs). In this technique, after the creation of a side port, viscoelastic (or OVD [ophthalmic viscosurgical device]) is initially injected behind the PCPIOL to widen the space between PCPIOL and the crystalline lens. The old incisions can be used after recent implantations rendering the enlargement of the main incision unnecessary. After additional OVD over and under the PCPIOL, the haptic is tucked by a chopper and pulled through the main incision with a single maneuver. The haptic is grasped by two suture forceps and explanted with a "hand-to-hand" maneuver. The tuck-and-pull technique provided high protection of the corneal endothelium, crystalline lens, anterior chamber structures, and the PCPIOL itself. This technique is a practical, easy, and safe approach for explantations of all PCPIOL types, whatever the reason for its explantation may be.

Short-Term Efficacy and Safety of Cataract Surgery Combined with Iris-Fixated Phakic Intraocular Lens Explantation: A Multicentre Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of cataract surgery for patients with iris-fixated phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs). This study included 96 eyes of 91 patients. The changes in the logMAR uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subjective spherical equivalent (SE), astigmatism, and endothelial cell density (ECD) were collected retrospectively. The intraoperative and postoperative complications also were investigated to assess the surgical safety. The preoperative UCVA and BCVA improved significantly at month 1 postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The efficacy and safety index at month 1 postoperatively were 1.02 ± 0.56 and 1.31 ± 0.64, respectively. The SE at month 1 postoperatively was significantly (p < 0.001) higher compared to preoperatively, whereas the subjective astigmatism did not differ significantly (p = 0.078). The ECD significantly decreased at month 1 (p < 0.001). The most common postoperative complication was intraocular pressure elevation exceeding 25 mmHg in 10.4% of eyes, which was controlled with medications in all cases until month 1 postoperatively. No intraoperative complications developed. Cataract surgeries for patients with iris-fixated pIOLs were performed safely with good visual outcomes.

Refractive outcomes and complications following angle supported, iris fixated, and posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses bilensectomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The manuscript presents a review of published studies regarding the outcomes, causes, and complications of phakic intraocular lens (pIOLs) bilensectomy.All pIOLs will be explanted at some point, therefore is important to know the visual and refractive outcomes following bilensectomy.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are few publications about the outcomes following pIOL bilensectomy; in all of them, cataract remains the main cause of bilensectomy. Other causes are endothelial cell density loss and pupil ovalization. The mean time between pIOL implantation and bilensectomy is longer in eyes implanted with an anterior chamber pIOL than in eyes implanted with a posterior chamber pIOL. There is a significant improvement in uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity after bilensectomy. Some sight-threatening complications like retinal detachment and low endothelial cell density (ECD) after surgery have been reported. Current publications suggest that endothelial cell density loss is more frequent in eyes that underwent bilensectomy for an anterior chamber pIOL.

SUMMARY

Good visual and refractive outcomes are achieved after bilensectomy, regular endothelial cell density measurements should be performed in all patients implanted with an anterior chamber pIOL to perform a safe bilensectomy.

Etiology and outcomes of current posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens extraction

This study was aimed to review the etiology and the outcomes of current posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (Visian ICL, STAAR Surgical) extraction. This review comprised 770 eyes of 403 consecutive patients undergoing ICL extraction. We evaluated prevalence, etiology, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), predictability, and patient satisfaction. ICL extraction was required in 8 of 770 (1.0%) eyes. The most common reason was the progression of the pre-existing cataract formation in 5 eyes (63%), followed by residual refractive errors in 3 eyes (38%). Of the 7 eyes targeted for emmetropia, 7 (100%) and 6 (86%) achieved UDVAs of 20/40 and 20/20 or better, respectively. Three eyes (38%) showed no change in CDVA, 3 eyes (38%) gained 1 line, 2 eyes (25%) gained 3 or more lines. 88% and 100% were within ± 0.5 and 1.0 diopter (D), respectively, of the targeted correction. Patient satisfaction improved significantly, from 3.0 ± 1.4 preoperatively, to 8.0 ± 2.4 postoperatively. No vision-threatening complications occurred. ICL extraction was required in approximately 1% of ICL-implanted eyes. Visual and refractive outcomes were good, and patient satisfaction was overall high, even in ICL-extracted eyes.

Safety and visual outcomes following posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens bilensectomy

Background

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, refractive outcomes and causes for bilensectomy (phakic intraocular lens – pIOL – explantation with cataract surgery and pseudophakic intraocular lens implantation) in patients previously implanted with posterior chamber pIOLs.

Methods

This multi-center retrospective study included 87 eyes of 55 patients who underwent bilensectomy for posterior chamber pIOL with a follow up time of 12 months. The uncorrected and best corrected distance visual acuities (UDVA, CDVA), endothelial cell density before and after bilensectomy were assessed, as well as the cause of bilensectomy and intra or postoperative complications.

Results

There was a statistically significant improvement in uncorrected and best corrected visual acuities after bilensectomy (p = 0.00). The main reason for bilensectomy was cataract development (93.1% of the cases), followed by miscalculation of lens size, and corneal edema. The endothelial cell count remained stable without a statistically significant change after surgery (p = 0.67). The refractive efficacy index was 0.8, none of the patients lost lines of CDVA after surgery, 73% of the patients were within ±1 D (spherical equivalent) of the target refraction. Intraoperative complications were one posterior capsule rupture with the intraocular lens (IOL) implanted in the sulcus, and 3 eyes required the use of pupil expanders for adequate pupil dilation. Postoperatively, one eye developed retinal detachment. The three pIOLs models explanted were the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), Implantable Phakic Contact Lens (IPCL) and the Phakic Refractive Lens (PRL).

Conclusions

Good safety and visual outcomes were observed 1 year after bilensectomy for posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses (PC pIOLs). There were few intra and postoperative complications and there was no significant endothelial cell loss after the bilensectomy procedure.

Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery in a cataract patient with a "0 vaulted" ICL: a case report

BACKGROUND

Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) combined with implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) extraction has been shown to be a feasible method for patients developing cataracts after the ICL implantation. All reported cases had shallow vaults, ranging from 47 μm (μm) to 100 μm. We report for the first time, a case in which the FLACS was performed on the "0" vault eye.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 38-year-old man with anterior subcapsular cataracts underwent the FLACS combined with ICLs extraction 6 years after ICLs implantation in both eyes. In his left eye, the ICL touched the anterior capsule, existing "0" vault. During the capsulotomy, cavitation bubbles were trapped in the shallow space beneath the ICL, developing from small bubbles into big ones, which resulted in the incomplete capsulotomy. Comparatively, in the right eye, the ICL vault was measured 72 μm, and the capsulotomy was complete and no big cavitation bubbles formed. In both eyes, capsulotomy zones were manually assigned to the anterior capsule surface in the process of laser identification. However, the nuclear pre-fragmentations were unsuccessful in both eyes. Other steps of surgeries were performed uneventfully. Depending on the design of monovision, the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 20/32, and the near uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/25 in both eyes postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

This case suggested that the surgeon should pay attention to the incomplete laser capsulotomy when using a femtosecond laser in cataractous cases with "0" vaulted ICLs, and manual adjustment was required in the process of laser identification.

Phakic intraocular lenses: Recent advances and innovations

Phakic intraocular lenses (pIOL) are recommended when counselling refractive surgery candidates presenting with high ametropia or ocular surface and/or corneal conditions that contraindicate corneal refractive surgery. This review aims to present the state-of-the-art regarding pIOL models currently available in Europe, addressing their newer indications and recent design innovations. These include, in the case of posterior chamber pIOLs, the addition of a central hole to improve aqueous humour circulation, the availability of larger optical zones, and multifocal optics for the compensation of presbyopia. The review also highlights their good safety and efficacy results, as well as the role of patient education to ensure adequate outcomes in the medium-long term. The indications of pIOLs in special situations, as well as bi-lensectomy, a procedure that most pIOL patients may eventually require as they age and develop cataracts, are also addressed.

Update on Treating High Myopia With Implantable Collamer Lenses

The purpose of this article is to provide updates on the treatment of high myopia with the implantable collamer lens (ICL). The ICL has become an important technique used in intraocular refractive surgery. With improvements in material, design, and application, the ICL has good efficacy, predictability, long-term safety and stability, manageable complications, and reversibility. More and more refractive surgeons are taking note of the ICL. This article reviews the material characteristics and the latest designs of the ICL along with the clinical applications, visual quality, and future development.

Meta-analysis and review: effectiveness, safety, and central port design of the intraocular collamer lens

The purpose of this review is to summarize relevant data from publications appearing in the peer-reviewed scientific literature over the past decade since US Food and Drug Administration approval of the implantable collamer lens (ICL), and, in particular, to review studies relating to sizing methodology, safety, and effectiveness, as well as more recent studies reporting clinical outcomes of the V4c Visian ICL with KS Aquaport, VICMO. A literature search was conducted using two databases, PubMed.gov and Science.gov, to identify all articles published after 2005 related to the Visian ICL (STAAR Surgical, Inc.). Articles were examined for their relevance to sizing methodology, clinical safety, and effectiveness, and the references cited in each article were also searched for additional relevant publications. The literature review revealed that all currently reported methods of determining the best-fit size of the ICL achieve similarly satisfactory results in terms of vault, the safe distance between the crystalline lens and the ICL. Specifically, meta-analysis demonstrated that sulcus-to-sulcus and white-to-white measurement-based sizing methods do not result in clinically meaningful nor statistically significant differences in vault (two-sample two-sided t-test using pooled mean and standard deviations; t (2,594)=1.33; P=0.18). The reported rates of complications related to vault are very low, except in two case series where additional risk factors such as higher levels of myopia and older age impacted the incidence of cataract. On the basis of preclinical studies and initial clinical reports, with up to 5 years of follow-up, the new VICMO central port design holds promise for further reduction of complications. Given its safety record and the significant improvement in vision and quality of life that the ICL makes possible, the benefits of ICL implantation outweigh the risks.

Successful toric intraocular lens implantation in a patient with induced cataract and astigmatism after posterior chamber toric phakic intraocular lens implantation: a case report

Introduction

We report the case of a patient in whom simultaneous toric phakic intraocular lens removal and phacoemulsification with toric intraocular lens implantation were beneficial for reducing pre-existing astigmatism and acquiring good visual outcomes in eyes with implantable collamer lens-induced cataract and astigmatism.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old woman had undergone toric implantable collamer lens implantation three years earlier. After informed consent was obtained, we performed simultaneous toric implantable collamer lens removal and phacoemulsification with toric intraocular lens implantation. Preoperatively, the manifest refraction was 0, -0.5 × 15, with an uncorrected visual acuity of 0.7 and a best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 0.8. Postoperatively, the manifest refraction was improved to 0, -0.5 × 180, with an uncorrected visual acuity of 1.2 and a best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 1.5. No vision-threatening complications were observed.

Conclusion

Toric intraocular lens implantation may be a good surgical option for the correction of spherical and cylindrical errors in eyes with implantable collamer lens-induced cataract and astigmatism.

Implantable collamer posterior chamber intraocular lenses: a review of potential complications

PURPOSE

To review the peer-reviewed literature reporting postoperative complications of the most recent models of Visian Implantable Collamer posterior chamber intraocular lenses (ICL, STAAR Surgical Co).

METHODS

A literature search of the PubMed database was performed to identify all articles related to ICL complications. Articles were obtained and reviewed to identify those that reported complications using the latest ICL designs.

RESULTS

Cataract was the major postoperative complication reported: 136 (5.2%) in 2592 eyes. Of those, 43.4% (n=59) were reported within 1 year, 15.4% (n=21) between 1 and 3 years, and 35.3% (n=48) ≥ 3 years after ICL implantation. Twenty-one (15.4%) cataracts were reported as surgically induced, 46 (33.8%) eyes had poor vault (<200 μm), and cataract surgery was carried out in 27.9% (n=38) of eyes. Early acute intraocular pressure increase was also reported to be relatively frequent, whereas acute pupillary block was less frequent and mostly resolved with additional iridotomies. A total of 42 ICLs were explanted due to cataract and IOP. Reported endothelial cell loss varied from 9.9% at 2 years to 3.7% 4 years postoperatively. This loss was reported to be more pronounced within the first 1 to 2 years, with stability or lower progression after that time.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of reported complications after ICL implantation are cataract formation. The improvements in lens geometry and more accurate nomograms applied to the selection of the lens to be implanted, in addition to the surgeon's learning curve, might be factors in the decreased occurrence of postoperative complications reported currently.

Cataract development associated with collagen copolymer posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses: clinicopathological correlation

PURPOSE

To assess the histopathology of anterior subcapsular cataract associated with a collagen copolymer posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) (Visian Implantable Collamer Lens) using light microscopy after pIOL explantation and cataract surgery.

SETTING

John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

DESIGN

Laboratory investigation.

METHODS

Pathology specimens related to explanted pIOLs were reviewed and preoperative and postoperative patient data collected. The anterior lens capsules and explanted pIOLs were examined.

RESULTS

Four eyes (3 patients) had pIOL explantation for low vault and anterior subcapsular cataract. The explanted pIOLs were the shorter length models (3, 12.1 mm; 1, 12.6 mm). Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) confirmed the low pIOL vault before explantation in 2 eyes. Histopathology of the anterior subcapsular cataract showed fibrous metaplasia with a variable number of lens epithelial cell (LEC) layers attached to the inner surface of the anterior capsulorhexis specimens. Light microscopy of the explanted pIOLs showed no pigment on 1 lens, mild pigment deposition on 1 haptic, and pigment deposition throughout the anterior surface of 2 pIOLs.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior subcapsular cataract associated with the pIOLs was caused by low vaulting (confirmed on AS-OCT) and consequent fibrous metaplasia of the anterior LECs. Surgeons should consider the possibility of anterior subcapsular cataract associated with shorter platforms when selecting a pIOL length for appropriate vault.