AIM: To evaluate the safety, refractive outcomes and vision after phakic posterior chamber implantable collamer lens(ICL)after keratoplasty(KP).

METHODS: This retrospective single center study evaluated 32(35 eyes)patients who received an ICL for myopia and/or astigmatism after keratoplasty. Patients underwent ICL surgery if they were unable to wear glasses or contact lenses and excimer laser surgery was contraindicated. Data were collected on uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA), refraction and complications. Data were analyzed for the preoperative and last postoperative visits(16.7±13mo)(P<0.05).

RESULTS: Preoperatively, spherical equivalent(SE)ranged from -4.00 to -20.00 D and cylinder from -2.00 to -9.00 D. The mean SE decreased statistically significantly from -11.41±3.62 D preoperatively to -1.95±1.78 D postoperatively(P<0.0001). Mean UDVA increased statistically significantly from 20/400 preoperatively to 20/25 postoperatively(P<0.0001). There was a mean improvement in postoperative CDVA of 1.5 lines compared to preoperatively, 37% of eyes had an increase of 2 or more lines. One eye(2.8%)lost ≥ 1 line of CDVA. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION: Posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation is a safe and effective treatment for post-keratoplasty myopia and astigmatism in patients who are unable to wear spectacles or contact lenses and where corneal refractive surgery is contraindicated.