Modern Phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation (Refractive Lens Exchange) Is Safe and Effective in Treating High Myopia
- 1 January 2016
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology in Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology
- Vol. 5 (6), 438-444
- https://doi.org/10.1097/apo.0000000000000241
Abstract
Improved efficacy, predictability, and safety of modern phacoemulsification have resulted in cataract surgery being considered as a refractive procedure. Refractive lens exchange by definition is a surgery aimed at replacing the cataractous or clear crystalline lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) in cases of high ametropia. The excellent intraocular optics of this procedure provide a better visual outcome as compared with laser refractive surgery in high myopia. With advances in technology and IOL formulas, the predictability of refractive outcome after cataract surgery in high myopes has improved. The option of addressing presbyopia using multifocal/accommodating IOLs or monovision results in patients achieving reasonable spectacle independence. The most important concern with respect to phacoemulsification in high myopia is the risk of pseudophakic retinal detachment. High myopia is an independent risk factor for retinal detachment, and recent publications have reported a much lesser risk of retinal detachment specifically attributable to phacoemulsification in high myopes, especially if a thorough posterior segment evaluation is done and patients are followed up until development of complete posterior vitreous detachment. Refractive lens exchange is an effective and safe option to correct high myopia and can significantly improve quality of life in select patients.Keywords
This publication has 79 references indexed in Scilit:
- The European registry of quality outcomes for cataract and refractive surgery (EUREQUO): a database study of trends in volumes, surgical techniques and outcomes of refractive surgeryEye and Vision, 2015
- Refractive lens exchange in modern practice: when and when not to do it?Eye and Vision, 2014
- Refractive lens exchangeSurvey of Ophthalmology, 2014
- Evaluation of refractive error after cataract surgery in highly myopic eyesInternational Ophthalmology, 2013
- Vincenz Fukala (1847–1911) and the early history of clear-lens operations in high myopiaSaudi Journal of Ophthalmology, 2012
- Refractive lens exchange versus phakic intraocular lensesCurrent Opinion in Opthalmology, 2012
- Vincenz Fukala (1847–1911) and the Early History of Clear-lens Surgery in High MyopiaJournal of Refractive Surgery, 2011
- Refractive Surgery Trends and Practice Style Changes in Germany Over a 3-year PeriodJournal of Refractive Surgery, 2010
- Biometry and intraocular lens power calculationCurrent Opinion in Opthalmology, 2008
- Magnification and Visual Acuity in Refractive SurgeryAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology, 1993