Clear lens extraction for the correction of high refractive error

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Refractive Surgery
• Intraocular Lenses

Background:

• High myopia and hyperopia present significant refractive challenges.
• Clear lens extraction (CLE) with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation is a surgical option for correcting these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the outcomes of CLE and PCIOL implantation in patients with high myopia and high hyperopia.
• To assess visual acuity, refractive outcomes, and complications associated with the procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 31 eyes with high myopia and 6 eyes with high hyperopia undergoing CLE and PCIOL implantation.
• Analysis of uncorrected and corrected postoperative visual acuity, refractive error, and complications.

Main Results:

• In the myopic group, 77% achieved 20/40 or better uncorrected visual acuity, and 97% achieved 20/40 or better corrected acuity.
• 68% of myopic eyes were within 1.0 D of emmetropia; 90% within 2.0 D.
• All hyperopic eyes achieved 20/40 or better uncorrected visual acuity and were within 1.0 D of emmetropia.
• Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) was the most frequent complication, developing rapidly.

Conclusions:

• CLE with PCIOL implantation is an effective refractive surgery for high myopia and hyperopia.
• While generally safe, PCO requires prompt management and appears to develop faster than previously reported.