Abstract

P 232

Implantation of a new phakic posterior chamber intraocular lens (Epilens) for correction of high myopia – first results

Laura Bredow, Julia Lasseck, Thomas Reinhard
Universitäts-Augenklinik Freiburg

Objective
Implantation of a phakic posterior chamber intraocular lens (pIOL) with preservation of the cristalline lens and the accommodative power is a surgical option for patients with high myopia. A new foldable lens (“Epilens”, Acri.Tec) with a thickness of 0.1-0.3 mm was designed for implantation into the sulcus ciliaris for patients with myopia of -5 to -30 D. The aim of this prospective, multicenter study is to evaluate the complication rate and refractive outcomes for this new lens.
Methods
So far, Epilens is only implanted within an European multicenter study. 11 eyes of 6 patients underwent refractive surgery under topical anaesthesia. We present the results of monocentric follow-ups from the University Eye Hospital Freiburg. Sulcus diameter was measured with 35 MHz VuMax II UBM (Sonomed), further measurements included Orbscan II and Carl Zeiss IOL-Master.
Results
Preoperatively, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) was -11.7 D (-5.5 to -16.88 D), and best-corrected mean visual acuity (VA) was 0.55 (in several cases the VA was reduced due to refractive amblyopia). Postoperatively, mean SE was -0,54 D (-1.3 to +0.25 D). Due to antiastigmatic corneal incisions, astigmatism could be reduced or kept stable in all eyes. 7 out of 11 eyes reached the same (± 1 line) or better uncorrected VA postoperatively compared to best-corrected preoperative VA. 2 eyes from a patient with an SE of -16.88 D at baseline needed a SE correction of -1.38  D and -1.26 D resp. following surgery to obtain full vision, and 1 eye needed an astigmatic correction of -2.5 D (preoperatively -4 D). In one eye, pIOL diameter proved to be too small which resulted in a contact between the pIOL and the cristalline lens leading to slight anterior lens capsule opacity (corrected vision 0.6, binocular uncorrected vision 1.0 after bilateral surgery). So far no adverse effect on eye pressure was noted.
Conclusions
First results with the Epilens are encouraging. The treated patients belong to a very difficult study population in terms of refractive surgery due to the high myopia, and cannot be compared to LASIK patients. With correct lens diameter no complications have been noted so far, and refractive results are good. Patient content is very high.

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