[GBR foldable anterior phakic intraocular lens with angular supports: a 3-year experience]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency, predictability, and safety of the GBR foldable anterior chamber implant with angular supports to correct high myopia after 3 years of follow-up.

and methods: A GBR anterior chamber lens with angular supports was implanted in 44 eyes between November 2001 and February 2004. These eyes were highly myopic (preoperative mean of -10.65 +/- 2.62 diopters (D) (range, -6.25 to -16.50 D). Visual acuity, refraction, biomicroscopy, and quality of vision were estimated with a follow-up of 3 years. The potential complications required endothelial density, mobility of the pupil, intraocular pressure, and gonioscopy measurements.

No severe intra- or postoperative complications required an ablation of the lens. Increased intraocular pressure in three cases and decentration in one were the most serious side effects reported. Eighteen eyes (40.9%) presented pupil ovalization; 68.2% of the eyes reached the attempted correction +/-0.50 D. Implants seemed stable in their position and refractive results. Functional signs included night glare for eight patients (18.2%) and glare in the sun for 11 (25%). There was no significant decrease in cellular endothelial density mean during follow-up.

The GBR implant (Ioltech) is the pioneer of foldable anterior chamber implants, a concept in full expansion. Long-term satisfaction of the operated patients is encouraging. However, the medium-term anatomical modifications noted require monitoring and a search for the responsible mechanism.