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.