Phacoemulsification in Patients with High Myopia: A Retrospective Analysis

Background-High myopia, characterized by an elongated eyeball and associated visual impairments, presents unique challenges during cataract surgery due to anatomical variations and potential complications.This study investigated phacoemulsification's refractive and visual results in high myopic eyes.Methods-This study assessed the medical records of 75 eyes from 60 individuals with high myopia who underwent phacoemulsification to remove cataracts.Axial length, refractive values, and pre-operative and post-operative visual acuity were measured.The Sanders Retzlaff Kraff formula calculates the intraocular lens (IOL) power.The procedure involved a 2.8-mm clear corneal incision, hydro dissection, hydro delineation, and lens nucleus removal.Following the implantation of a foldable monofocal posterior chamber IOL, the capsular bag was filled with viscoelastic material.Post-operative endophthalmitis prophylaxis was provided with intracameral moxifloxacin and topical antibiotics and steroids.Results-Out of the 60 patients in this study, 28 (46.7%) were male and 32 (53.3%) were female.The frequency of nuclear cataracts was higher than other cataract types.Pre-operative spherical equivalent (SE) and BCVA were significantly higher and lower than postoperatively.Additionally, the study revealed that, in 20% of instances, myopic degeneration was the most common reason for decreased post-operative visual acuity.Age-related macular degeneration followed with 6.7%.Other causes included corneal opacity, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and optic atrophy.Post-operative complications were observed in 10.7% of cases in patients with high myopia, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and management to optimize post-operative outcomes and visual health. Conclusion-The study reveals that myopic patient's post-surgery experience better visual acuity and less frequent diabetic retinopathy changes.On the other hand, they deal with issues like glaucoma, optic atrophy, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and corneal scaropacity.