Impact of Cataract Surgery on Retinal Detachment Success Rate in High Myopia

High myopia

Hello, Doctor Gao.
After cataract surgery and the replacement of the artificial lens, if a patient has a pre-existing refractive error of -7.50 diopters and later requires retinal detachment surgery, will this affect the success rate of the surgery? I am concerned about having to replace the lens again.

Jie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/14

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, after cataract surgery with the replacement of an intraocular lens, undergoing retinal detachment surgery generally does not affect the intraocular lens and does not impact the success rate.
At the E-Hospital in Puzi, Taiwan, the ophthalmology department is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and on Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Please note that online responses are for reference only; it is essential to seek care at a medical facility if necessary.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2020/12/14

More Info

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves the removal of the cloudy lens of the eye and its replacement with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). For individuals with high myopia, such as those with a prescription of -7.50 diopters (750 degrees), there are specific considerations regarding the potential for retinal detachment and the success of subsequent surgeries.

High myopia is associated with an increased risk of retinal detachment due to the elongation of the eyeball, which can lead to thinning of the retina and the formation of retinal tears. This anatomical change makes individuals with high myopia more susceptible to retinal issues, including detachment. However, the relationship between cataract surgery and the success rate of subsequent retinal detachment surgery is nuanced.

When a patient undergoes cataract surgery, the procedure itself does not directly affect the retina or the risk of retinal detachment. The artificial lens implanted during cataract surgery is designed to remain stable and does not interfere with the retina's structure or function. Therefore, if a patient with high myopia later experiences retinal detachment, the presence of an IOL from cataract surgery does not inherently decrease the success rate of the retinal detachment repair.

The success rate of retinal detachment surgery generally depends on several factors, including the timing of the surgery (earlier repairs tend to have better outcomes), the extent of the detachment, the presence of any complications, and the overall health of the retina. For high myopes, the success rates can be slightly lower compared to individuals with normal vision, primarily due to the pre-existing retinal changes associated with high myopia.

It is also important to note that if a patient with high myopia undergoes retinal detachment surgery, they may not need to replace the IOL unless there are specific complications related to the cataract surgery or the IOL itself. In most cases, the IOL remains in place and functions properly after retinal surgery.

In summary, while high myopia does increase the risk of retinal detachment, cataract surgery and the presence of an artificial lens do not negatively impact the success rate of subsequent retinal detachment surgery. Patients should maintain regular follow-ups with their ophthalmologist to monitor their eye health, especially if they have high myopia, as early detection and intervention are crucial for preserving vision. If there are concerns about the need for additional surgeries or the condition of the IOL, these should be discussed with an eye care professional who can provide personalized advice based on the individual's specific circumstances.

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