Purpose:

To evaluate the ability of a new IOL and an integral device to maintain space within the capsular bag after cataract surgery and to receive a piggyback IOL within the device.

Methods:

We implanted eight IOLs with an integral device to maintain space within the capsular bag into the eyes of eight patients at the time of cataract surgery. We obtained full examinations and visual acuities at one month, three months, and six months. Four of the eight patients elected to receive a piggyback IOL after six months to improve unaided visual acuity from residual refractive error. The piggyback IOLs were implanted without difficulty. The four eyes with the piggyback IOLs were examined at one & three months postop.

Results:

Mean BCDVA of the initial eight eyes was logMAR +0.1 at one, three, and six months. There was a mild anterior surface iris trauma noted between the pupil and the incision in all cases. UCDVA in all patients receiving a piggyback IOL was logMAR +0.13 at one & three. The anterior chambers were of a normal depth and shape in all cases at all postoperative visits, including after piggyback implantation.

Conclusions:

It was technically straightforward to implant this IOL and device within the capsular bag and to implant a piggyback IOL within this device at six months postop. The device maintained a large volume of space within the capsular throughout the duration of this study. Eyes implanted with this device had excellent visual acuities.