Ultrasound biomicroscopy of iris-claw phakic intraocular lens implantation.

Purpose: To study in situ the intraocular position of iris-claw phakic intraocular lens (ICPIOL) in myopic eyes using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).

Methods: UBM echograms of the anterior segment were taken preoperatively and 62 to 115 days postoperatively in 6 eyes implanted with the Verisys ICPIOL (AMO). The echograms were assessed for the effect of the ICPIOL on iris tissue.

Results: The preoperative distance between the corneal endothelium and the lens ranged from 2.96 to 3.09 mm, and the postoperative distance between the ICPIOL and the corneal endothelium, from 1.86 to 2.03 mm. The distance between the lens and the posterior surface of the ICPIOL ranged from 0.61 to 0.76 mm. The distance between the superior, inferior optic edge and the iris ranged from 0.49 to 1.00 mm, 0.21 to 0.51 mm respectively. The shortest distance between the ICPIOL haptics and the angle of anterior chamber ranged from 1.25 to 1.65 mm. The indentation of iris tissue by the ICPIOL haptics without pigmentary dispersion and distortion of posterior curvature of iris was observed.

Conclusion: Adequate space is maintained between the Verisyse myopic ICPIOL and the corneal endothelium, angle, and crystalline lens. Haptic indentation of the iris without pigment erosion and distortion of iris curvature is noted. The ICPIOL implanted in phakic eyes is a safe alternative for treatment of high myopia.