One-Year Analysis of the Refractive Stability, Axial Elongation and Related Factors in a High Myopia Population after Implantable Collamer Lens Implantation

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the refractive stability, axial length 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 > -6D, -12 ≤ SE < -6D and SE < -12D groups—and axial length (AL)—AL < 28mm and AL ≥ 28mm groups. The uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, refraction, axial length and intraocular pressure were followed for 1 year. Results: SE changed from -11.53 ± 5.25D preoperatively to -0.33 ± 0.70D at 1 week, and further changed to -0.48 ± 0.77D at 1 year after ICL implantation, with average progression being -0.15 ± 0.37D from 1 week to 1 year after surgery. Axial length changed from 27.95 ± 2.33mm preoperatively to 27.98 ± 2.36mm 1 year after surgery, with an average axial elongation of 0.03 ± 0.12mm. The mean axial elongation rate was 0.05mm/year in the SE < -12D group, being significantly faster than the other SE groups (P < 0.05); it was 0.06mm/year in the AL ≥ 28mm group, being significantly faster than the AL < 28mm group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with high myopia and long axial length showed a continuous myopic progression and axial elongation at an adult age after ICL surgery, especially those with myopia higher than -12.0D and AL longer than 28.00mm.