Posterior capsule opacification in myopic eyes.

PURPOSE

To determine whether posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is extensive in eyes with myopia or long axial length when an intraocular lens (IOL) of low-power, zero-power, or minus-power, is implanted.

SETTING

Hayashi Eye Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.

METHODS

Ninety eyes of 90 patients scheduled for phacoemulsification surgery were recruited. These consisted of 30 eyes with high (> or =-8 diopters [D]) myopia, 30 eyes with moderate (<-8 D and > or =-3 D) myopia, and 30 eyes with low (<-3 D) myopia. All eyes had implantation of an acrylic IOL-low-power, zero-power, or minus-power-with a sharp optic edge (AcrySof MA60BM or MA60MA, Alcon Surgical). The PCO in these eyes was measured using a Scheimpflug videophotography system (EAS-1000, Nidek) 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. Visual acuity and the incidence of neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy were also examined.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed in the mean PCO value or in the Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate between the high myopia, moderate myopia, or low myopia groups throughout the follow-up period. There was also no significant correlation between PCO value and the actual spherical power or axial length of the eye. Furthermore, although mean visual acuity tended to be worse in proportion to the degree of myopia, the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

When an acrylic IOL of low-power, zero-power, or minus-power with a sharp optic edge was implanted, high myopia and long axial length were not associated with the degree of PCO.