ABSTRACT

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with high myopia.

This retrospective study included 52 eyes of 35 patients with an axial length greater than 26 mm who had undergone phacoemulsification and IOL implantation surgery. Patients who had ocular pathologies other than high myopia and cataract were excluded from this study. All patients’ charts were reviewed, and preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction error values, and complications were recorded.

The mean age of the patients was 58.06±15.46 years (range 27 to 80 years), and the mean follow up time was 8.44±3.62 months. The mean preoperatively myopia was-10.94±4.75 diopters (D), mean axial length was 28.14±1.72 mm and the mean BCVA was 0.84±0.4 logMAR. Intraoperative vitreous loss occurred in two (3.85%) eyes, and a posterior chamber IOL was implanted in the sulcus in these cases. In 8 (15.4%) eyes, peripheral retinal degenerations detected and these patients underwent prophylactic argon laser treatment preoperatively. The mean postoperative spheric value was -0,26±1.51 D and, the mean BCVA was 0.24±0.24 logMAR. There was a significant decrease in the myopia values (Wilcoxon testi p<0.001) and a significant increase in the BCVA (Wilcoxon testi p<0.001). During the follow up time, no posterior segment complications were detected.

Phacoemulsification surgery is a safe and effective method with successful anatomical and functional outcomes in patients with high myopia. Detailed retinal examinations and prophylactic laser photocoagulation applications decrease retinal complication rates.

Keywords: Phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, myopia