Clinical Study
Eye (2006) 20, 655–660. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6701933; published online 10 June 2005
Refractive lens exchange combined with pars plana vitrectomy to correct high myopia
None of the authors has a commercial, proprietary, or financial interest in any research or material presented
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
Correspondence: S Uhlmann, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 10-14, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. Tel: +49 341 97 21657; Fax: +49 341 97 21659; E-mail: scos@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Received 28 December 2004; Accepted 12 April 2005; Published online 10 June 2005.
Abstract
Purpose
To describe the results of refractive lens exchange (RLE) combined with simultaneous pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in the management of severe myopia.
Methods
This retrospective study comprised 14 eyes of eight patients who had RLE to treat myopia of -19.0
5.4 diopters (D). Phacoemulsification, posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, and standard three-port vitrectomy were performed. Mean postoperative follow-up time was 30 months (range 12–49).
Results
The postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.680.23 compared to 0.370.24 preoperatively. There was no postoperative decrease in visual acuity in any eye. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent was -0.7 D (1.6). At 30 months mean follow-up time, the spherical equivalents of nine eyes (64.3%) were within 1 D of emmetropia. There was no significant change in astigmatism due to operative procedures. During the 30 months follow-up period three eyes (21.4%) required neodymium : yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Nd : YAG) capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification. No retinal detachments or cases of cystoid macular oedema (CME) were observed during the follow-up.
Conclusion
RLE was effective in correcting severe myopia. The simultaneously performed PPV may reduce the risk of postoperative retinal detachment. This was a pilot study, to draw definitive conclusions a prospective study has to be initiated.
Keywords:
refractive lens exchange, pars plana vitrectomy, high myopia, retinal detachment
