Ultrasound biomicroscopy of the Artisan phakic intraocular lens in hyperopic eyes.

PURPOSE To study in situ the intraocular position of the Artisan iris-claw intraocular lens (IOL) (model 203) (Ophtec) in phakic hyperopic eyes using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). METHODS Echograms of the anterior chamber were taken preoperatively and 24 to 317 days postoperatively in 4 eyes implanted with the Artisan IOL (power +4.0 to +6.0 diopters). The preoperative anterior chamber depth (ACD) and the postoperative distance between the IOL and the corneal endothelium (endothelium-optic distance) and between the IOL and the lens were measured. The echograms were assessed for the effect of the IOL on iris tissue. RESULTS The preoperative ACD ranged from 3.10 to 3.56 mm and the postoperative endothelium-optic distance, from 2.03 to 2.54 mm. The distance between the lens and the posterior surface of the IOL ranged from 0.35 to 0.79 mm. Several UBM echograms showed indentation of iris tissue by the IOL haptics and optic edge, although no pigmentary dispersion was noted. CONCLUSIONS Adequate space was maintained between the Artisan hyperopic IOL and the corneal endothelium, angle, and crystalline lens. Haptic indentation of the iris, which could lead to pigment erosion, was observed. Preoperative gonioscopy and maintenance of normal intraocular pressure postoperatively suggest the indentation was secondary to inadequate lens vaulting relative to the high natural arch of the iris in hyperopic eyes. Shortening the haptics or increasing the lens vault might resolve this problem.