This narrative review aimed to have an algorithmic approach to microphthalmos by a systematic search. The definition can be related to a number of special phenotypes. In the more challenging cases of complex microphthalmos, relative anterior microphthalmos, and nanophthalmos, the surgeon can approach these cases more safely if they have a deep understanding of the anatomical variations and ideal formulae for intraocular lens computation and knows how to avoid intra- and post-operative complications. In this article, we review the criteria by which we recognize and describe pre-, intra-, and post-operative considerations, as well as discuss the ideal intraocular lenses for microphthalmos, given the intricate varieties of small eye phenotypes.