Long-term Effect of Scleral Encircling on Axial Elongation.

PURPOSE

To determine the long-term effect of scleral encircling on the progression of myopia.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical cohort study.

METHODS

Setting: Single-center academic hospital (Severance Hospital).

STUDY POPULATION

The study included 76 eyes of 38 patients (mean age 37.21 ± 15.76) who had undergone retinal detachment surgery with scleral encircling. Observational Procedures: Axial length was measured preoperatively, at 6 months after surgery, and at the most recent visit. Patients were followed up for at least 12 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The changes of axial length per month between operated eyes and contralateral eyes (control group).

RESULTS

The operated group showed more rapid changes in axial length from 6 months after surgery to the time of the last follow-up than did the control group (0.020 ± 0.033 mm/month vs 0.002 ± 0.002 mm/month, P = .002; mean follow-up, 26.05 ± 11.39 months). Similar trends were observed during the entire follow-up period (0.065 ± 0.062 mm/month vs 0.008 ± 0.020 mm/month, P < .001). Subgroup analysis showed that both the myopic and highly myopic group showed no significant difference of change in rate of axial length during the first 6 postoperative months (P = .267), from 6 months after surgery to the final assessment point (P = .144), or over the entire observation period (P = .507).

CONCLUSIONS

Encircling the sclera may accelerate progression of myopia by significantly increasing axial length. The degree of myopia itself does not contribute to a significant difference in the increased axial length.