Outcome of simultaneous phakic implantable contact lens removal with cataract extraction and pseudophakic intraocular lens implantation

PURPOSE: To assess the outcome of simultaneous implantable contact lens (ICL) removal and cataract extraction with pseudophakic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. SETTING: CODET Aris Vision Institute, Tijuana, Mexico. METHODS: This retrospective noncomparative interventional case series evaluated 14 eyes of 12 patients with ICL implantations who developed a cataract and simultaneously had ICL removal and cataract extraction with IOL implantation. The follow-up time was at least 6 months (range 6 to 24 months). Visual acuity (logMAR), manifest refraction, intraocular pressure, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 12 patients (14 eyes), 10 patients (12 eyes) had ICL surgery to correct high myopia and 2 patients (2 eyes), to correct hyperopia. The mean uncorrected visual acuity after ICL implantation (before cataract development), before cataract surgery, and after cataract surgery were 0.48 +/- 0.32, 0.83 +/- 0.34, and 0.40 +/- 0.27, respectively. The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before ICL implantation, after ICL implantation, and after cataract surgery were 0.31 +/- 0.21, 0.28 +/- 0.19, and 0.27 +/- 0.21, respectively. The mean final manifest spherical equivalent was 0.30 diopters (D) +/- 1.07 (SD) (range +2.38 to 2.0 D). Ten eyes (71.4%) were within +/-1.0 D of the calculated target. One eye had a tear in the posterior capsule with vitreous loss during cataract surgery. No other intraoperative, perioperative, or postoperative complications were observed. No loss of BCVA was recorded at the last postoperative visit. CONCLUSIONS: Lens opacities and cataract formation are a potential complication of ICL surgery. The removal of the ICL and the cataract with IOL implantation was found to be safe, with predictable refractive results.