Refractive lens exchange combined with pars plana vitrectomy to correct high myopia

Retinal detachment after refractive lens exchange: A narrative review

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) allows to correct ametropias and presbyopia by replacing the crystalline lens with an extended depth of focus or multifocal intraocular lens (IOL). Retinal detachment (RD) is one of the most serious adverse events after RLE. This study aimed to review the evidence related to the risk of RD after RLE and clinical outcomes. A search using PubMed and a snowball search approach was conducted to identify articles and case reports. According to the literature, the risks of RD should be considered in patients <60 years old with axial lengths >23 mm. Only nine articles reported visual acuity (VA) after RD in RLE, and only 25% of eyes had a VA > 20/40. Considering that the decrease in VA might be uniform for all types of IOLs after RD, surgeons should focus on selecting the patient to prevent RD rather than on a particular IOL optical design based on the potential risk of DR.

Clear lens phacoemulsification combined with vitrectomy to correct high myopia: four years of follow-up

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcome, intraoperative and postoperative complications of refractive lens exchange (RLE) by phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation combined with simultaneous pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in the management of high myopia.

METHODS

This prospective study consisted of 45 eyes of 26 patients with preoperative myopia greater than -12.5 dpt. Clear lens phacoemulsification with IOL implantation surgery was combined with PPV. Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), stability of the spherical equivalent (SE) and complications at follow-up.

RESULTS

The combined procedure of clear lens phacoemulsification combined with PPV has a favorable outcome with acceptable SE predictability and improvement in BCVA. The postoperative BCVA was 0.67 ± 0.21 compared to 0.15 ± 0.10 preoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean postoperative SE was -1.6 ± 0.9 dpt, showing a significant difference when compared with a mean value of -20.0 ± 5.2 dpt before the operation (p < 0.001). During the follow-up, all IOLs were placed stably in the bag with no capsular tear occurring and only 1 case (2.2%) developed retinal detachment.

CONCLUSION

RLE and implantation of an IOL combined with simultaneous PPV is a reasonable refractive surgery option for middle-aged patients with high myopia.