Asymptomatic haptic migration of phakic anterior chamber intraocular lens through the peripheral iridectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Case series of haptic migration in patients with angle-supported phakic anterior chamber intraocular lens (PAC-IOL: Phakic6H) through the superior peripheral iridectomy (PI).

METHODS: Charts of 23 patients (35 eyes) with at least 6 months' postoperative follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Evaluation included preoperative and postoperative cycloplegic and manifest refractions, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp examination, fundoscopy, corneal topography, and biometry.

RESULTS: Mean UCVA was 1.67 ± 0.30 (1.17-2.00) for all 35 eyes preoperatively and 0.35 ± 0.25 (0.00-1.00) postoperatively (p < 0.001; 95% CI 1.21-1.44). BCVA had a mean of 0.31 ± 0.26 for all 35 eyes preoperatively, and a mean of 0.22 ± 0.25 postoperatively (p < 0.001; 95% CI 0.04-0.14). Haptic migration into the superior PI was noted in 8 eyes (23%). The first migration was noted 2 years postoperatively and the last 8 years after implantation (mean, 5.6 ± 2 years). There was no statistically significant difference in the BCVA and UCVA before and after haptic migration. Follow-up ranged from 8 months to 8.5 years.

CONCLUSIONS: Angle-supported PAC-IOL implantation resulted in significant improvement in both UCVA and BCVA. However, there is a 23% incidence of haptic migration in our series with no sequelae on BCVA or harmful effect on the intraocular structures. This IOL movement may be explained by changes in aqueous dynamics at the level of the PI leading to migration of the haptic into the area of least resistance.