Long-Term Stability And Predictability Of Phakic Icl Implantation In Low Myopia

To analyze the refractive outcomes and predictability of implantable Collamer lens (ICL) correction in low myopia over the long term. Additionally, to assess the long-term stability of the procedure and define the efficacy and safety of the technique. 

Retrospective study conducted at one single clinical site, including patients implanted with phakic ICLs between 2002 and 2024. 

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent ICL implantation with a power of <6.00D. Annual trends in implanted lens power and size were evaluated. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 1 month, 1 year, and beyond 5 years to analyze refractive stability, efficacy, and safety. 

A total of 636 eyes received an ICL, with the most frequent lens size being 13.2 mm (55.1%). At 1-month, mean UDVA was 1.15±0.20, CDVA was 1.17 ±0.19, and the efficacy and safety indices were 1.12±0.20 and 1.14±0.20 respectively. At 1-year, UDVA remained stable at 1.14±0.20, with a spherical equivalent of -0.01±0.15D (p=0.003) and a vault of 456.37±205.68 µm (p<0.001). At long-term follow-up (mean: 7.96±2.64 years, N=151), UDVA was 1.05±0.30 (p=0.047), spherical equivalent was -0.08±0.33D (p=0.003), and the vault decreased to 370.33±217.36 µm (p=0.048). The efficacy and safety indices at long-term follow-up were 1.04±0.23 and 1.09±0.18, respectively. 

Phakic ICL implantation is an effective and predictable technique for correcting low myopia. The procedure has demonstrated long-term stability over extended follow-up periods. Although the image magnification effect on the retina is not significant due to the low degree of ametropia being corrected, patients experienced an improvement in visual acuity after ICL implantation.