The ‘Artisan’
The Irish Claw Lens – also known as the “Artisan” lens – is implanted behind the cornea. It features two clips that grip onto the iris (the coloured part of the eye around the pupil).
The Iris-Claw Lens procedure became popular in the early 2000s thanks to offering a reduced risk of cataract development compared with implantable collamer lenses (ICLs). However, the procedure was since found to have some long-term implications for corneal health.
In recent years, developments in technology and practices have significantly improved the safety and efficacy of ICL surgery, including a reduced risk of cataract formation. As a result, Iris-Claw lenses are now used less commonly than ICLs.