Comparative study between clear lens extraction and anterior chamber angle-supported phakic intraocular lens implantation for correction of high myopia

Abstract

For long time efforts have been made to correct refractive errors. This was either with classical approaches such as spectacles or contact lenses or by refractive surgeries which become an acceptable alternative for large number of patients and surgeons over the past three decades. Although radial keratotomy was used for correction of myopia for many years, today more recent surgical techniques are used. These include the use of excimer laser either in PRK or LASIK, Intacs corneal ring segments, clear lens extraction and phakic IOLs. The choice of any of these tecniques depends on many parameters; the most important is the degree of myopia. Phakic IOL implantation to correct high myopia have several advantages, including excellent refractive results, fast visual recovery, preservation of accommodation, easy surgical technique and reversibility. Nowadays, three types of phakic IOLs are in current use; the anterior chamber angle supported type, the iris claw type and the posterior chamber type. Implantation of an anterior chamber IOL in aphakic eye to correct high myopia is a technique recently revived. If one considers refractive and optical improvements, this is probably the most satisfactory surgical procedure currently available for correcting high myopia.