BACKGROUND: The aim f this study was to evaluate the effect of capsular tension ring implantation during cataract surgery on the incidence of neodymium: YAG (Nd: YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy in myopic (axial length [AL] ≥25.00 mm) eyes

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, the records of the cases of 117 myopic patients who underwent cataract surgery between January 2004 and January 2011 were reviewed. A total of 153 eyes with an axial length of 25 mm or higher were included in the study with consideration of exclusion criteria mentioned below. Eyes were grouped by presence or lack of capsular tension ring (CTR+ and CTR–, respectively).

RESULTS: The study included 153 eyes from 107 myopic patients. Hydrophilic acrylic IOL and capsular tension ring (CTR) were implanted in 78 eyes (CTR+ group), and 75 eyes received only the hydrophilic acrylic IOL (CTR– group). Six eyes (7.6%) in CTR+ and 16 eyes (21.3%) in CTR– required Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy within 7 years. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (p=0.021).

CONCLUSIONS: Because CTRs significantly decrease subsequent need for Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy in myopic patients, are very inexpensive, and provide other benefits, our data suggest that the use of CTRs in myopic eyes undergoing cataract surgery with an hydrophilic acrylic IOL implantation is advantageous and should be standard practice.

Keywords: Cataract - etiology, Cataract Extraction - methods, Intraocular Pressure - physiology, Lens Implantation, Intraocular - methods, Myopia - complications, Posterior Capsulotomy - statistics & numerical data, Turkey