AIM: To analyze the influencing factors of visual acuity in cataract patients with high myopia after phacoemulsification combined with IOL implantation, and to explore the correlation between the integrity of ellipsoidal zone and postoperative visual acuity.

METHODS: Retrospective case review. A total of 96(106 eyes)cataract with high myopia patients were enrolled into this study. All patients received phacoemulsification and IOL implantation after preoperative examination. After 6mo of follow-up, the changes of BCVA were compared between preoperative and postoperative 1wk, 1mo, 3mo and 6mo. Compared the integrity of ellipsoidal zone with different ranges of BCVA before and after 6mo surgery. At the same time, the relevant influencing factors affecting postoperative BCVA were analyzed.

RESULTS: The median BCVA of preoperative and postoperative 1wk, 1mo, 3mo and 6mo eyes were 0.80(0.50, 1.70), 0.51(0.28, 1.30), 0.50(0.09, 0.60), 0.30(0.22, 0.90)and 0.30(0.22, 0.70), respectively, there were significant differences(P<0.001). The results showed that there were significant differences in the integrity of ellipsoidal zone with different ranges of BCVA before and after 6mo surgery(P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that BCVA at postoperative 6mo was associated with preoperative BCVA and integrity of ellipsoidal zone(P<0.05). However, there was no correlation with age, gender, preoperative average corneal curvature and axial length(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: The visual acuity improved after phacoemulsification combined with IOL implantation for cataract with high myopia. Postoperative visual acuity was correlated with the integrity of ellipsoidal zone and preoperative visual acuity.