Refractive lens exchange in high myopia: long term follow up.
OBJECTIVE
To establish long term outcomes and incidence of complications following refractive lens exchange (RLE) for the correction of high myopia.


METHODS
Operative and postoperative records of 62 cases of small incision phacoemulsification RLE performed in 37 patients over an 11 year period, by a single surgeon, were reviewed. In addition, patients were recalled for a follow up examination, which included dilated retinal examination with scleral indentation.


RESULTS
Two cases (3.2%) of retinal detachment occurred at intervals of 2 months and 5 months following uncomplicated RLE procedures. A posterior chamber intraocular lens was inserted in 46 eyes (74%). YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was performed in 38 of 62 eyes (61%) and did not represent a risk for retinal detachment.


CONCLUSIONS
Refractive lens exchange results in rapid and predictable improvement in unaided vision in patients with high myopia. However, the risks of sight threatening complications inherent in any intraocular procedure underlie the need for appropriate patient selection.
Horgan
N
N
Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland. noelhorg@hotmail.com
Condon
P I
PI
Beatty
S
S
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012162:Retinal Degeneration / Q000209:etiology; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity