Extracapsular cataract extraction with or without posterior chamber intraocular lenses in eyes with cataract and high myopia.

Abstract

To compare the results of insertion of low-power or zero-power posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs) after cataract extraction in eyes with high myopia with leaving the eye aphakic. The outcome of extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with low-power or zero-power PC IOLs in 184 consecutive highly myopic (axial length = 26.0 mm or longer) eyes was compared with 184 consecutive highly myopic eyes receiving ECCE without PC IOLs. Axial length, preoperative visual acuity, age, sex, and follow-up were similar between both groups. In the pseudophakic eyes, there was a statistically significantly better visual outcome (P = 0.006), decreased incidence of posterior capsule opacification (13.6% versus 33.2%, P < 0.01), and decreased requirement for YAG capsulotomy (6.5% versus 17.9%, P < 0.01). There were two retinal detachments in the pseudophakic eyes compared with four in the aphakic eyes. There were no sight-threatening complications in 12 pseudophakic eyes after YAG capsulotomy. There were four sight-threatening complications (2 retinal detachments, 2 cases of uveitis with secondary glaucoma) in 33 aphakic eyes after YAG capsulotomy. The use of PC IOLs may result in a lower complication rate and better visual outcome after ECCE in eyes with cataract and high myopia.