Risk of retinal detachment in myopic eyes after intraocular lens implantation: a 7 year study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the benefits and risks of lens removal using extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), primarily phacoemulsification, to correct high myopia.

SETTING: A Medicare accredited surgical center, Bakersfield, California, USA.

METHODS: Five hundred eighty-one lens extractions were performed in 311 patients from 1989 to 1996. Surgeries were performed by the same surgeon (C.D.F.). The incidence of capsule rupture, vitreous loss, and retinal detachment, as well as preoperative and postoperative visual acuities, were studied.

RESULTS: Phacoemulsification was performed in 73.4% of cases, planned ECCE in 24.8%, and unplanned ECCE in 1.8%. Capsule rupture occurred in 1.5% and vitreous loss in 0.8% of cases. Two cases of retinal detachment occurred 1 to 2 years postoperatively. In 76.2% of patients, uncorrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better.

CONCLUSION: Carefully selected patients with high myopia may benefit from cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens placement. This study suggests an acceptable level of safety.