Posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (PC-pIOL)

Refractive error correction via optical power addition within the posterior chamber refers to the surgical implantation of a phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) into the posterior chamber of the eye, specifically the space between the iris and the natural crystalline lens (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2023). This procedure is primarily utilized to treat high degrees of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in patients who are not suitable candidates for corneal refractive surgeries like LASIK or PRK (FDA, 2022). The most common device used for this purpose is the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), which is composed of a biocompatible collagen-polymer material (StatPearls, 2023). Unlike cataract surgery, the natural lens is not removed, allowing the patient to maintain their natural accommodative ability (Journal of Refractive Surgery, 2021). The lens works by adding refractive power to the eye's optical system, ensuring that light is focused precisely on the retina (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Clinical success depends on precise preoperative measurements of the anterior chamber depth and the corneal endothelial cell count to minimize long-term risks such as cataract formation or glaucoma (NCBI, 2022).

Other names

Implantable Collamer LensICLPhakic intraocular lensPosterior chamber IOLPC-pIOL

The device provides refractive correction by adding optical power to the eye's natural lens system through the divergence or convergence of light rays, focusing them directly onto the retina (FDA, 2022).