PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - N Horgan
AU  - P I Condon
AU  - S Beatty
TI  - Refractive lens exchange in high myopia: long term follow up
AID  - 10.1136/bjo.2004.052720
DP  - 2005 Jun 01
TA  - British Journal of Ophthalmology
PG  - 670--672
VI  - 89
IP  - 6
4099  - http://bjo.bmj.com/content/89/6/670.short
4100  - http://bjo.bmj.com/content/89/6/670.full
SO  - Br J Ophthalmol2005 Jun 01; 89
AB  - Aim: 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. Conclusion: 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.