Eyeworld

36 | EYEWORLD | OCTOBER 2019 ATARACT C PRESENTATION SPOTLIGHT Contact information Ullrich: m.ullrich@viros.at by Stefanie Petrou Binder, MD EyeWorld Contributing Writer in a subgroup with axial lengths of 25–29 mm in patients below 61 years old. 6 The association between RD and younger patient age is of particular relevance in highly myopic RLE (refractive lens exchange) patients and also myopic cataract patients, who tend to be younger. Also, the rate of posterior capsule opacification tends to be higher in younger, RLE patients, however, the influence of YAG capsulotomy on RD is controversial. One study showed a fourfold increase in risk of retinal breaks and RD after Nd:YAG capsulotomy. 7 Outcomes from different studies revealed YAG as being riskier in myopic eyes. According to further evidence every millimeter of increased axial length increases the RD risk after Nd:YAG capsulotomy by a factor of 1.5. Conversely, the outcomes of a few recent studies found no increase in RD incidence after Nd:YAG capsulotomy. Vitreous involvement Long eyes undergoing cataract surgery have been associated with a twofold increased risk for capsule rupture or vitreous loss, Dr. Ullrich said. Several studies showed an approximately 12–15 times higher risk for RD in eyes with capsule complications. 8 Mechanical changes caused by the replacement of the thick crystal- line lens by a thin IOL increases the volume of the posterior segment. The forward movement of the posterior lens capsule and the vitreous can lead to posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) development and cause dynamic traction at the posterior border of the vitreous base, with a risk of subsequent tear formation. Hyaluronic acid distribution and concen- trations can influence vitreous stability after cataract surgery, causing biomechanical changes. Also, modifications in the vitreous microenvi- ronment can contribute to the development of retinal complications. There is evidence that anterior vitreous attachment is a prognostic sign for RD. According to the literature presented by Dr. Ullrich, in general PVD occurs earlier in H ighly myopic eyes present a risk of retinal detachment (RD) after lens- based surgery. While the yearly inci- dence of retinal detachment in the general population is 6–18/100,000 (5–13/100,000 in non-traumatic phakic eyes), in the myopic popula- tion it's at least threefold. Marlies Ullrich, MD, presented on this at the 36th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. A number of studies discussed by Dr. Ull- rich have investigated the incidence of RD. One study's outcomes showed a fourfold increase in RD after cataract surgery in the general popula- tion. 1 The presentation compared other studies from the literature demonstrating a cumulative incidence of 0.16–3.6% (young population) after in-the-bag IOL implantation. Still more evidence estimated a risk of 1% at 4 years after cataract surgery and a risk of 9% or higher in patients with high myopia. 2 Research on the subject makes it clear that the risk of RD rises with axial lengths over 25 mm. Posterior capsule tears, zonule dehiscence, RD in the fellow eye, and male gender are also common risk factors. RD in myopes Investigations on the incidence of RD in my- opes after lens surgery are numerous, Dr. Ull- rich continued, but sometimes too different to compare. Some evidence suggests a mean 2.2% incidence of RD in myopes. 3 After clear lens ex- traction for high myopia over –12 D (mean age 36 years), the incidence of RD was 2.0% at 4 years and 8.1% at 7 years postop. 4 Elsewhere in the literature, 8% of aphakic and pseudophakic eyes between –15 and –30 D developed RD ver- sus 1.2% of phakic fellow eyes, with the highest incidence of RD seen in eyes with myopia from –25 to –30 D. 5 While the level of myopia clearly increases the risk of RD after cataract surgery, with 25 mm the axial length cutoff in many studies, age is another factor to consider. Published data shows that younger patients (under 50 years old) have a higher incidence of RD than older patients. Other research shows a risk of 10.2% Retinal detachment specialist discusses long eye complications after cataract surgery About the doctor Marlies Ullrich, MD Vienna Institute for Research in Ocular Surgery, Hanusch Hospital Vienna, Austria Relevant financial interests Ullrich: None continued on page 40

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