EXTRACAPSULAR CATARACT-EXTRACTION WITH OR WITHOUT POSTERIOR CHAMBER INTRAOCULAR LENSES IN EYES WITH CATARACT AND HIGH MYOPIA

Purpose: To compare the results of insertion of low-power or zero-powe r posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs) after cataract extrac tion in eyes with high myopia with leaving the eye aphakic. Methods: T he outcome of extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with low-power or zero-power PC IOLs in 184 consecutive highly myopic (axial length = 26.0 mm or longer) eyes was compared with 184 consecutive highly myop ic eyes receiving ECCE without PC IOLs, Axial length, preoperative vis ual acuity, age, sex, and follow-up were similar between both groups. Results: In the pseudophakic eyes, there was a statistically significa ntly better visual outcome (P = 0.006), decreased incidence of posteri or capsule, opacification (13.6% versus 33.2%, P < 0.01), and decrease d requirement for YAG capsulotomy (6.5% versus 17.9%, P < 0.01). There were two retinal detachments in the pseudophakic eyes compared with f our in the aphakic eyes. There were no sight-threatening complications in 12 pseudophakic eyes after YAG capsulotomy. There were four sight- threatening complications (2 retinal detachments, 2 cases of uveitis w ith secondary glaucoma) in 33 aphakic eyes after YAG capsulotomy. Conc lusions: The use of PC IOLs may result in a lower complication rate an d better visual outcome after ECCE in eyes with cataract and high myop ia.