Lenticular myopia from oil-drop cataract: a cautionary note in laser in situ keratomileusis

We present 5 patients with oil-drop cataracts in whom the underlying lenticular cause of myopic regression after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) had been missed by their ophthalmologists. As a result, the patients were scheduled for or had had LASIK enhancement before presentation to us. After oil-drop cataracts were diagnosed, phacoemulsification was performed successfully in at least 1 eye of all patients. These cases underscore the importance of considering lens-induced myopia in refractive surgery patients, especially those with an unstable preoperative refraction or postoperative myopic regression. Refractive surgery in these cases can unnecessarily complicate the measurement of intraocular lens strength in cataract surgery.