Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in high myopia

To assess phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in highly myopic eyes and to compare the results of sutureless scleral tunnel incision and sutured scleral incision techniques.

The Eye Institute of Utah, Salt Lake City.

A series of 109 highly myopic eyes (axial length over 26.00 mm) were reviewed at a mean postoperative follow-up of 27 months.

Postoperative corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 94% of eyes, and uncorrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 77% of eyes. Posterior capsule opacification developed in 50% of eyes; 95% of these had neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy. Cystoid macular edema occurred in two eyes, and one eye developed retinal detachment following Nd:YAG capsulotomy. Eyes that had sutureless scleral tunnel incisions attained earlier postoperative rehabilitation of visual acuity and stabilization of astigmatism than did patients who had sutured scleral incisions.

The results of this study of highly myopic eyes indicate that treating retinal pathology preoperatively and using the sutureless procedure, phacoemulsification, and in-the-bag IOL placement lead to good visual outcome, a lower rate of retinal complications, and a more stable wound.