PRL offers good results for high myopia

Implantation of phakic refractive lenses (PRL) appears to be a predictable and well-tolerated procedure for correcting high myopia, according to Esther Arranz-Marquez and co-workers from Vissum Corporación Oftalmológica de Madrid, Spain.

In a prospective study, the PRL was implanted in 78 myopic eyes in which the refractive error ranged between -4.0 and -31.0 D and laser refractive surgery was contraindicated. Uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity (UCVA & BCVA), manifest and cycloplegic refractions and intraocular pressure (IOP) were assessed over a three-year follow-up period.

The results revealed a significant change in spherical equivalent from a preoperative mean value of -14.7±5.4 D to 0±0.8 D three years postoperatively (p<0.01). UCVA and BCVA also improved significantly (p<0.01). Although a significant increase in IOP was found at each postoperative visit (p<0.01), there was no significant difference in IOP between one and three years postoperatively. Four eyes were operated on again due to mild lens decentration.

It was concluded that implantation of a PRL can offer good and predictable results for the correction of high myopia.