Axial myopic progression following phakic intraocular lens implantation

A 45-year-old woman presented to her ophthalmologist complaining of worsening uncorrected distance visual acuity following placement of an Implantable Collamer Lens phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) approximately 10 years earlier. Prior to the pIOL surgery, contact ultrasound axial length (AL) measurements of 28.28 mm in the right eye and 27.90 mm in the left eye indicated the presence of axial myopia. At review 10 years after the initial pIOL surgery, the AL measured by partial coherence interferometry had increased to 30.25 mm and 29.22 mm, respectively, indicating a progression of the axial myopia. This case suggests that in some patients, age and recent myopic stability are insufficient criteria to conclude that the high myopia is nonprogressive. In our patient, placement of a pIOL and induction of a stable, constant, and focused foveal image were not sufficient to prevent further axial myopic progression.

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.