Purpose:

To evaluate the results of clear corneal phacoemulsification and foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation (IOL) in high myopia and to assess the incidence of complications.

Methods:

Ocular findings of eighty-two eyes of 60 patients (26 males and 34 females) with an axial length of 26 mm or more (mean axial length, 28.25±2.25mm) who underwent clear corneal phacoemulsification and IOL implantation between April 2000 and January 2004 were retrospectively analyzed. Data including posterior segment complications and treatment modalities were recorded.

Results:

The mean age of patients was 63.9 years (range 42-82). The mean preoperative spherical equivalent and mean astigmatism were -12.86±4.86D and 1.52±0.93D, respectively. The mean diopter of implanted IOL’s was 9.64±4.82D.The implanted foldabe acrylic IOL’s were hydrophilic in 60 (73.1) eyes and hydrophobic in 22 (26.8%) eyes. Sulcus polymethylmethacrylate IOL implantation was carried out in 6 (7.3%) eyes due to intraoperative posterior capsule rupture.Retinal tears and lattice degeneration were detected preoperatively in 6 (7.3%) and 7 (8.5%) eyes, respectively. Twelve eyes (24.3%) received prophylactic argon laser photocoagulation before cataract operation, and 8 (9.7%) more eyes had postoperative retinal tears requiring laser treatments. None of the patients developed retinal detachment during the follow-up period. The mean postoperative spherical equivalent and mean astigmatism were -1.24 ±0.65D and 0.74±0.70D respectively. All eyes showed visual improvement and best corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 51(62.1%) eyes.

Conclusion:

Careful preoperative fundus examination and prophylactic laser treatment for retinal tears and lattice degenerations in patients with high myopia may help prevent postoperative retinal complications.

Keywords: high myopia, cataract, phacoemulsification, IOL implantation