Prospective study of 210 consecutive cases of endocapsular phacoemulsification using the AMO SI-30NB 3-piece foldable lens

Purpose: To assess the acceptability of clinical outcome achieved with use of the SI-30NB lens, as well as the incidence of any lens related complications. Methods: This prospective study evaluated 210 consecutive eyes undergoing endocapsular phacoemulsification cataract surgery (EPECS), with implantation of the AMO SI-30NB foldable three-piece lens, commencing with the first patient in our practice receiving this implant. There was 99% follow-up for at least three months, with a mean of nine months, and a range of three to 14 months. Incisions were a maximum of 3.2 mm in size, and this allowed minimisation of astigmatism, and maximisation of early visual rehabilitation. Results: The final visual acuity results were excellent, with 95% of cases achieving corrected vision of 6/12 or better. All cases without pre-existing ocular pathology achieved corrected vision of 6/6, apart from a single case which achieved 6/9, but the patient died before follow-up. The lens-related complication rate was less than 1% (two patients). No decentration of any other implant ocurred, and no patient complained of edge glare. There were no cases of iris chafing or pigment dispersion. Only three patients (1.4%) required Yag posterior capsulotomy in the first 14 months of the study. Central bag-bag fixation was achieved in 206 of the 210 cases in the study (98%). Conclusion: The results achieved using the SI-30NB lens with a small incision phaco procedure were excellent. Lens-related complications occurred in only two cases and very few cases have had problems with posterior capsular opacification.