Visual and refractive outcomes of implantable phakic contact lens implantation in myopia and myopic astigmatism

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual, refractive, and safety outcomes of posterior chamber Implantable Phakic Contact Lens (IPCL) implantation for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism in a large cohort. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis including patients who underwent IPCL implantation for myopia or myopic astigmatism and completed a minimum of 24 months of follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA), manifest refraction, intraocular pressure measurement using Goldmann applanation tonometry, mean vault, and endothelial cell density (Topcon SP-1A). Visual outcomes, predictability, stability, and complications were evaluated over follow-up at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: A total of 714 eyes of 430 patients were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 26.4 ± 4.9 years. At 2 years, mean UDVA was log MAR 0.06 ± 0.1, with 93% and 96% of eyes achieving a UDVA of 20/25 and 20/32 or better, respectively. The efficacy and safety indices were 1.04 ± 0.33 and 1.06 ± 0.32, respectively. Ninety eight percent of eyes were within ±0.50 D of the attempted spherical equivalent. Refractive outcomes were stable after 6 months with no clinically significant change up to 2 years. Cataract formation occurred in 0.42% of eyes. Implant rotation of greater than 5° was noted in 2.52% of eyes and was successfully managed with repositioning or exchange. CONCLUSION: The IPCL represents a safe and effective refractive solution for moderate to high myopia and myopic astigmatism.