Here are some methods that were in use:

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE):

Advantages:

· Suitable for high levels of myopia.

· Permanently corrects refractive errors.

· Reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Disadvantages:

· Increased risk of complications compared to less invasive procedures.

· Potential for cataract formation in the long term.

Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implantation:

Advantages:

· Preserves the natural lens.

· Reversible procedure.

· Suitable for patients with thin corneas.

Disadvantages:

· Higher risk of infection compared to some other procedures.

· Potential for cataract development.

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL):

Advantages:

· Preserves the natural lens.

· Reversible procedure.

· Lower risk of dry eyes compared to some other methods.

Disadvantages:

· Possible complications include cataracts and glaucoma.

· Requires a larger incision than other procedures.

Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL):

Advantages:

· Halts the progression of myopia.

· Relatively less invasive.

· Short recovery time.

Disadvantages:

· Primarily used for stabilizing myopia, not correcting it.

· May not be suitable for all types of myopia.

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (FS-LASIK):

Advantages:

· Rapid visual recovery.

· Minimal discomfort.

· Effective for a wide range of refractive errors.

Disadvantages:

· Corneal flap-related complications.

· Dry eyes may persist after surgery.

I am NOT a doctor but AI provided this info.

Some of the methods that were commonly used for ultra-high myopia surgery:

1. Phakic Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Phakic IOLs are artificial lenses that are implanted in the eye while the natural lens is left intact. These lenses can correct many refractive errors, including ultra-high myopia. They are placed either in front of the natural lens (anterior chamber phakic IOLs) or behind the iris (posterior chamber phakic IOLs). The advantages of phakic IOLs include the potential for reversible vision correction and the preservation of the natural lens. However, there are risks associated with the surgery, such as cataract formation, increased intraocular pressure, and the potential need for further surgical interventions.

2. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): RLE involves the removal of the natural lens and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens. This procedure is similar to cataract surgery but is performed on clear lenses instead of cloudy lenses. RLE can correct high levels of myopia, and it can also address presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision) by using a multifocal or accommodating intraocular lens. The main advantage of RLE is the potential for a wider range of refractive corrections compared to other methods. However, it carries the same risks as cataract surgery, including infection, retinal detachment, and other complications.

3. Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK): LASIK is a popular laser eye surgery technique that involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser, and repositioning the flap. LASIK has been used to correct myopia, including cases of high myopia. It offers quick visual recovery and minimal discomfort. However, there may be limitations in treating extremely high levels of myopia with LASIK, and the procedure carries potential risks such as dry eyes, glare, halos, and corneal flap complications.

The suitability of each surgical method depends on various factors, including the individual's eye health, corneal thickness, and other considerations. The choice of procedure should be made after a thorough evaluation and consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist or refractive surgeon.

Regarding prospects, advancements in surgical techniques and technologies continue to be made in the field of ophthalmology. New procedures and technologies may emerge in the future, offering enhanced safety and efficacy for the correction of ultra-high myopia. Please consult with a specialist to explore the most appropriate options available.

Hope it helps

Dr. Rahman has thoroughly reviewed refractive procedures for highly myopic eyes. For Cataracts, the surgery is basic. No special techniques are required.

There can be some additional challenges, however. The anterior chamber is usually much deeper, which, while it gives a greater safety zone between the cornea and the lens, also means that the lens/cataract is deeper in the eye. The zonules holding the capsular bag can also be looser or 'stretchier' and the lens can move posteriorly during the procedure. These two factors may make the surgeon feel that she/he is working in a deep hole to get the instruments to the cataract.

And the risk of post-operative retinal tear or detachment is higher in high myopes, so avoiding a posterior capsular tear has been reported to be both riskier and more common in some studies (Retinal detachment in high myopia after cataract surgery : retrospective study about 365 cases. .https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2746543