Visual Improvement in High Myopic Amblyopic Adult Eyes following Phakic Anterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of angle-supported phakic anterior chamber intraocular lenses in amblyopic adult eyes with very high myopia. METHODS: We evaluated 12 eyes in nine patients with very high myopic amblyopia who received angle-supported phakic intraocular lenses (Phakic 6H) and followed them for more than six months. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and complications were evaluated. A satisfaction score was rated by patients using a 5-point (1-5) numeric scale. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 37.3 +/- 9.4 years, ranging from 29 to 59 years old. The preoperative mean refraction (spherical equivalent, SE) was -20.10 +/- 5.41 diopters (D). The postoperative mean refraction (SE) was -1.75 +/- 0.76 D at six months. The postoperative BCVA improved an average 3.92 +/- 1.24 lines over preoperative values, and mean endothelial cell loss was 8.9% at six months. Development of cataracts, glaucoma, and pupil abnormalities were not demonstrated in any case during the study. The patients were all very satisfied, as the average satisfaction score was 4.3. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that angle-supported phakic anterior chamber intraocular lens implantation may be an effective surgical alternative for the correction of amblyopic adult eyes with very high myopia. However, long-term evaluation is necessary to assess possible complications and long-term safety.