The Role of Phakic Intraocular Lens Implants in Treatment of High-Refractive Errors and Amblyopia in Children

INTRODUCTION This article aims to evaluate the role of phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) implants in the treatment of high-refractive errors and amblyopia in the pediatric setting. METHODS A literature search of the PubMed database was conducted in December 2012 using the keywords: pIOL implants, amblyopia, pediatric refractive surgery and ametropia, and articles of high or medium clinical relevance were selected for review. Inclusion criteria were children aged 0-17 years who had undergone pIOL implantation for the treatment of refractive errors and/or amblyopia. RESULTS Multiple studies have shown the relevancy and effectiveness of pIOL implantation as an alternative surgical management for highly significant pediatric ametropia in selective patients who are noncompliant with medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS In the management of clinically significant severe pediatric ametropic and/or anisometropic myopia or hyperopia and in the event of nonadherence to traditional medical treatment, phakic anterior chamber IOL implantation is currently considered an effective modality of treatment. Long-term follow-up of pediatric patients following pIOL implantation is necessary. Future clinical trials are needed to address the safety and efficacy of the type of and the best time for pIOL implantation in treatment and/or prevention of amblyopia in children.