An overview of phakic intraocular lenses

Abstract

There are 3 types of phakic intraocular lenses: angle­ supported, iris-fixated, and posterior chamber. Implantation of phakic intraocular lenses has been common practice in Europe for the past decade. With the recent approvals by the USA Food and Drug Administration for the Verisyse and Staar lenses, phakic intraocular lens­implantation is expected to increase worldwide. Unlike the power calculation for conventional intraocular lenses using axial length and keratometry, the power of phakic intraocular lenses is calculated from keratometry readings, anterior chamber depth, refractive error, and vertex distance. In this review, different models of phakic intraocular lenses and their indications are addressed. Complications of implanting these lenses include endothelial cell loss, cataract, pigment deposits, iridocyclitis, and vitreoretinal complications. These complications should be noted by surgeons before considering the use of these lenses for refractive correction.