Iris-claw lens in phakic eyes to correct hyperopia: preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of implanting convex, iris-fixated, anterior chamber intraocular lenses (IOLs) in phakic eyes to correct high hyperopia.

SETTING: Robert Koch Hospital, Hannover-Gehrden, Germany (Center A), and Dr. Daljit Singh Eye Hospital, Amritsar, India (Center B).

METHOD: Two eyes at Center A and 67 at Center B had implantation of an anterior chamber, convex, iris-fixated IOL. Follow-up of the 2 eyes at Center A was 91 months. Mean follow-up at Center B was 78 months +/- 24 (SD) (range 12 to 120 months).

RESULTS: At Center B, all eyes except two in one patient had clear corneas and no iritis or glaucoma at the last follow-up. The patient with complications (glaucoma and corneal degeneration in both eyes) did not return for follow-up until more than 4 years postoperatively and thus did not have adequate postoperative care.

CONCLUSION: Implantation of a convex iris-claw lens into the anterior chamber of phakic eyes to correct high hyperopia was successful from a refractive aspect. The clinical risks appear tolerable. However, life-long observation by endothelial microscopy is mandatory.