Retinal detachment after cataract surgery in highly myopic eyes

Purpose To assess the incidence of postoperative retinal detachment in patients with high myopia aRer cataract surgery performed by phacoemulsification.Methods 586 eyes of 357 patients with high myopia having phacoemulsification and Implantation of an intraocular lens from 2003 to 2006 were retrospectively reviewed.The mean follow-up was 35.6 months(8-42 months).The mean axial length was 30.68mm (26.11mm-35.17mm).Results Retinal detachment was observedin 15 eyes(2.56%).Prophylactic photocoagulation was carried out in 39 eyes(6.65%)preoperatively and 64 eyes(10.92%)postoperatively.These eyes did not develop retinal detachment during follow-up.Conclusions Cataract surgery increases the risk of retinal detachment development in highly myopic eyes.Prophylactic laser photocoagulation reduces the risk for retinal detachment. Key words: Retinal detachment; Cataract; High myopia