Small Incision Clear Lens Extraction for Correction of High Myopia

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness, predictability, and safety of clear lens extraction in the correction of high myopia.

SETTING

Kartal Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

METHODS

This retrospective study comprised 56 eyes of 30 patients who had clear lens extraction to correct myopia of 12.00 diopters (D) or more. Small incision clear lens extraction using an anterior chamber maintainer was performed and low-power posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted. The mean postoperative follow-up was 40.2±11.9 months.

Results

Uncorrected visual acuity improved in 94.6% of eyes. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved in 37 eyes (66 %); 27 (48.2 %) gained two or more lines. The percentage of eyes achieving a BCVA of 20/40 or better increased from 26.7% preoperatively to 58.9% postoperatively. Of the eyes, 38 (67.8%) were within ±1.00 D of targeted refractive error and 52 (92.8%) were within ±2.00 D. Posterior capsule tear with vitreous loss occurred in one eye (1.7%). During the follow-up, retinal detachment (RD) occurred in 2 eyes (3.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Clear lens extraction and IOL implantation was effective and had an acceptable predictability and a low morbidity in correcting high myopia. Regular retinal examination is necessary to prevent postoperative RD.