Anterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular lens in Patients with high Myopia

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Anterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses are one of the modalities used to correct high myopia. This study aimed to report the results of implantation of anterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses in high myopia patients. METHODS: Angle-supported phakic intraocular lens(Phakic 6(R), Ophthalmic Innovations Int.) with very flexible haptics for less pupillary distortion and an optical zone of 6mm was implanted in 4 eyes of 2 patients with high myopia. Efficiency, safety, and complications were evaluated preoperatively and at least 6 months postoperatively. The effect of the procedure on the cornea, pupil, and anterior chamber angle were studied. RESULTS: The preoperative mean spherical equivalent refraction was -20.06+/-2.05 D. The postoperative mean spherical equivalent refraction was -1.41+/-0.57 D at 6 months following the operations. The patients' best corrected visual acuity improved 1 line or more at 6 months compared with preoperative values. Significant endothelial cell loss or cataract formation were not demonstrated in any case during the study. Anterior chamber reformation or iridectomy was needed postoperatively in 2 eyes because of ocular hypertension associated with pupillary block. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that phakic anterior chamber intraocular lens implantation may be an effective surgical alternative for the correction of high myopia. However, long term follow-up is needed because of the complications such as cataract formation, endothelial cell loss, and ocular hypertension.