Abstract
Purpose:
To determine the effect of scleral encircling on myopic progression.
Methods:
SETTING: Single-center academic hospital. STUDY POPULATION: Patients who were treated at Shinchon and Gangnam Severance Hospital from January 2005 to May 2011, retrospectively. OBSERVATIONAL PROCEDURES: The study included 78 eyes (39 patients) with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and correction by scleral encircling. We measured axial length with the IOLMaster (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA). Initial measurements were taken at least 6 months after surgery, when eyes were stabilized. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: We measured axial length, and analyzed the changes in axial length per month. Results from operated eyes and non-operated eyes were compared.
Results:
The average changes in axial length per month were 0.011 ± 0.014 mm in all eyes, 0.015 ± 0.017 mm in the control group, and 0.0037 ± 0.0044 mm in the natural course group (P < 0.001). Thirty-six eyes fulfilled the initial criteria and more strict myopia definition (> 26.5 mm). The changes in axial length per month were 0.012 ± 0.011 mm in all eyes, 0.017 ± 0.01 mm in the control group, and 0.005 ± 0.006 mm in the natural course group (P = 0.007).
Conclusions:
Myopic progression is rapid in highly myopic eyes and artificially myopia-shifted eyes. Scleral encircling itself has detrimental effects on myopic progression. The initial greater axial length effect is accelerated during myopic progression. Retinal clinicians should be aware that scleral encircling could accelerate myopic progression in patients.
Keywords: 605 myopia •
688 retina •
697 retinal detachment