The phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs) are a good option for the correction of high refractive errors. According to their anatomical position there are two types of pIOLs: anterior or posterior chamber. The anterior chamber pIOL may be iris-fixated or angle-supported. The iris-fixated pIOLs are available not only for myopia correction, but also for hyperopia and astigmatism. During the last decades many modifications on the pIOLs designs were proposed in order to reduce late complications, such as progressive endothelial cell loss. Acute endothelial cell trauma related to the surgical procedure may be minimized with proper intraoperative care. Advances in the preoperative screening methods have improved the safety of the procedure. Estimation of the pIOL power is based on the van der Heijde calculations and is dependent on the anterior chamber depth, the spherical equivalent and the mean keratometric values. Long-term results show the efficacy, predictability and safety of the procedure. According to the type of the pIOL, complications other than endothelial cell loss include iritis, pigment dispersion, iris atrophy, pupil ovalization, pIOL rotation, decentration or dislocation, intraocular pressure elevation and pupillary block glaucoma. Foldable models actually available show promising results with lower complication rate.
Phakic intraocular lenses; anterior chamber; refractive errors; refractive surgical procedures; intraoperative complications; postoperativa complications
