Evaluation Of Surgically Induced Astigmatism (Sia) In Artiflex Lens Implantation: A Prospective Study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the magnitude and characteristics of surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) following the implantation of Artiflex phakic intraocular lenses (pIOL; Ophtec) through 3.10 milimeters (mm) superior limbal incision. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the stability of SIA over time and provide insights into the safety and efficacy of this procedure.

Instituto de Microcirugía Ocular (IMO Barcelona) Grupo Miranza C/ Josep Maria Lladó, 3, 08035 Barcelona (Spain).

A prospective, observational study was conducted on 50 eyes of 25 patients with moderate to high myopia who underwent Artiflex (pIOL; Ophtec) implantation. Preoperative and postoperative corneal topography was performed after one month. Vector analysis was used to determine the magnitude and axis of astigmatism. Refractive outcomes, including uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), were also evaluated.

The mean SIA at 3 months postoperatively was 0.19 6º ± 0.43 diopters (D) for right eye. 0.18 166º ± 0.33 diopters (D) for left eye, with a slight tendency toward against-the-rule astigmatism. SIA stabilized by the first month, showing no significant changes thereafter. UCVA improved significantly, with 87% of eyes achieving 20/25 or better, and 100% of eyes were within ±0.50 D of the target refraction. No significant complications or lens-related issues were observed.

Artiflex pIOL implantation through a 3.1 mm superior limbal incision induces minimal SIA, which stabilizes within the first postoperative month. The procedure provides excellent refractive outcomes and high predictability, making it a safe and effective option for correcting refractive errors. These findings support the use of Artiflex in patients seeking minimal impact on corneal astigmatism.