To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Artisan intraocular lens (IOL) primarily implanted for complicated cataract surgery.

A retrospective analysis of 49 eyes underwent Artisan IOL implantation for complicated cataract surgery as the primary procedure. A questionnaire of pre and post-operative data, including demographics, pre and post-operative co morbidities and complications was completed. Patients were evaluated for visual outcome and occurrence of complications. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and spherical equivalents (SE) were compared before and after IOL insertion.

The mean age of the participants was 68 ± 12.7 years; 37 (75.5%) were men and the mean post-operative follow-up time was 30.7 ± 14.8 months. All the patients had at least 6 months follow-up and data of the last examination were analyzed. The mean UCVA improved from 1.40 ± 0.64 logMAR to 0.82 ± 0.48 post-operatively (P <0.001). The mean BCVA improved significantly from 0.58 ± 0.4 at baseline to 0.44 ± 0.41 after the operation (P= 0.008). The change in spherical equivalent was not significant, from -0.13 ± 1.55 pre-operatively to -0.6 ± 1.88 (P= 0.724) at last visit. All eyes had the IOL at desired position. No intra-operative complications occurred in our series. Post-operative complications were transient pigmented precipitates in 5 cases and raised intraocular pressure in one case.

Primary Artisan IOL implantation at the time of complicated cataract surgery is an effective and safe procedure. Considering its good visual outcomes and low rate of complication, this type of IOLs are attractive alternative to achieve aphakic correction in complicated cataract surgery without sufficient capsular bag support.