The use of implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) to correct moderate to high myopia can offer predictable and stable results over a long period of time, according to a report published in the July issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.

Kazutaka Kamiya, MD, PhD and colleagues from the University of Kitasato School of Medicine and Sanno Hospital, Tokyo, Japan conducted a study to determine the long-term clinical outcomes of implantation of a biocompatible collagen copolymer lens (Visian ICL, STAAR Surgical) in patients with high to moderate myopia. A total of 56 eyes (34 patients) with myopic refractive errors of -4 to -15.25 D received the lens and follow-up examinations were conducted 1, 3 and 6 months and 1, 2 and 4 years following surgery.

At four years postoperative, 79% of eyes were within ±0.5 D of target refraction and 93% were within ±1 D of target refraction. Mean manifest changes in refraction of -0.24 D occurred from 1 month to 4 years and no vision-threatening complications were observed.

The results of this study suggest that ICLs are safe and effective and can offer stable refractive results even over long time periods making them a suitable treatment option for eyes with moderate to high myopia.