Refractive lensectomy to correct ametropia.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the postoperative outcome of refractive lensectomy for ametropia.

METHODS

Pacific Eye Center, Brisbane, Australia.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-eight cases of refractive lensectomy performed from September 1994 to September 1997 by 1 surgeon were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative refractive spherical equivalent (SE) ranged from -0.25 to -23.75 diopters (D) in the myopic group and from +0.25 to +11.62 D in the hyperopic group. In all cases with a low SE, the astigmatism was greater than -2.00 D. Eyes were divided into 6 groups by the preoperative SE.

RESULTS

Overall, 90.0% of eyes achieved an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better; 81.2% achieved 20/30 or better. Postoperative SE was within +/- 2.0 D of emmetropia in 93.5% of eyes and within +/- 1.0 D in 78.3%. The postoperative incidence of retinal detachment was 0.7%; intraocular lens (IOL) exchange, 2.8%; late uveitis, 0.7%; piggyback IOL, 2.1%; and neodymium: YAG capsulotomy, 8.0%. No cystoid macular edema, capsule tear, or endophthalmitis was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Refractive lensectomy can achieve excellent visual acuity and refractive outcomes with few complications. The surgery can be considered in selected patients with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism and to correct residual ametropia after refractive surgery.