Medennium posterior chamber phakic refractive lens to correct high myopia

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and safety of phakic refractive lens implantation to correct high myopia.

METHODS: In this prospective study, a phakic refractive lens was implanted in 90 myopic eyes in which refractive errors ranged from -6.00 to -20.00 diopters (D) and laser refractive surgery was contraindicated. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest and cycloplegic refractions, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were assessed during a 1-year follow-up period. Possible complications, including endothelial cell counts, were evaluated.

RESULTS: Spherical equivalent refraction measurements revealed a significant change from the preoperative mean value of -11.90+/-5.00 D to 0.04+/-0.20 D 1 year postoperatively (P=.001). The UCVA and BSCVA significantly improved postoperatively (P=.001 and P=.01, respectively). Seventy-two (80%) eyes and 61 (68%) eyes were within +/-1.00 D and +/-0.50 D of the target refraction, respectively. A significant increase in IOP was found at every postoperative visit (P=.01). There was a trend toward decreased endothelial cell density postoperatively, although the difference did not reach significance. No major complications were found during the 1-year follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of a phakic refractive lens seems to be a predictable and well-tolerated procedure for correcting high myopia. Complications such as development of cataract, implant dislocation, decreases in endothelial cell counts, or development of glaucoma did not occur in this study.