First results of cataract surgery and implantation of negative power intraocular lenses in highly myopic eyes

Objectives: To determine whether cataract surgery in highly myopic eyes should be considered high-risk surgery and whether exact intraocular lenses (IOLs) should be implanted if negative power is required. Site: Klinik Dardenne, Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Germany. Method: We retrospectively studied 32 eyes of 27 highly myopic patients who had cataract surgery and posterior chamber IOL implantation, Intraocular lens power varied from -1.0 to -8.0 diopters (D), and eye length varied from 31.0 mm to more than 35.0 mm. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 36 months. Patients were analyzed for postoperative visual acuity and for intraoperative and postoperative complications. Results: No patients experienced intraoperative complications. Posterior capsule opacification, which occurred in 14 eyes, was the only postoperative complication in the anterior or posterior segments. Ninety-four percent of eyes achieved improved best corrected visual acuity, and 69% of eyes were within 1.0 D of the refractive target. Conclusions: Cataract surgery can be performed in highly myopic eyes without intraoperative complications. A posterior chamber IOL should be implanted for postoperative refraction and intraocular stability, even if negative lens power is required.