One-year analysis of the refractive stability, axial elongation and related factors in a high myopia population after Implantable Collamer Lens implantation.

Purpose: To investigate the refractive stability, axial length (AL) changes and their related factors in a high myopia population after Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) implantation.

Methods: This prospective study included 116 eyes of 116 patients divided into several groups based on the spherical equivalent refractive error (SE)-SE > - 6 D, - 12 ≤ SE < - 6 D and SE < - 12 D groups-and AL-AL < 28 mm and AL ≥ 28 mm groups. The uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, refraction, AL and intraocular pressure were followed for 1 year.

Results: SE changed from - 11.53 ± 5.25 D preoperatively to - 0.33 ± 0.70 D at 1 week, and further changed to - 0.48 ± 0.77 D at 1 year after ICL implantation, with average progression being - 0.15 ± 0.37 D from 1 week to 1 year after surgery. AL changed from 27.95 ± 2.33 mm preoperatively to 27.98 ± 2.36 mm 1 year after surgery, with an average axial elongation of 0.03 ± 0.12 mm. The mean axial elongation rate was 0.05 mm/year in the SE < - 12 D group, being significantly faster than the other refractive groups (P < 0.05); it was 0.06 mm/year in the AL ≥ 28 mm group, being significantly faster than the AL < 28 mm group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Patients with high myopia and long AL showed a continuous myopic progression and axial elongation at an adult age one year after ICL surgery, especially in those with myopia higher than - 12.00 D and AL longer than 28.00 mm.