Decreasing laquer cracks in high myopie: A case series

Abstract

AbstractPurpose: Axial Elongation in myopic eyes may be caused by growth of Bruch's membrane along the equator of the eye. This may lead to a change in the eye morphology and may put pressure on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and on BM at the posterior pole of the eye. To relieve the pressure congregating on the posterior pole, an increase in Bruch's membrane opening (BMO) and laquer cracks (LCs) may form. The BMO may develop an enlargement of the parapillary gamma zone (PGZ) defined as a parapapillary region free of BM. Previous studies concluded that an enlargement of PGZ correlates with less disruptions of BM or RPE as in LCs or macular BM defects at the posterior pole. This case series examines three individuals with highly myopic eyes during a 10‐year follow‐up with disappearances of LCs.Methods: Funduscopy and OCT imaging were used to determine LC occurrence and change in a 10‐year follow‐up study.Results: The patients were examined in 2001 and 2011. The age of the patients was at the initial exam 45, 63 and 69 years. The axial length was 23.17 and 27.66 mm. The refractive error was between −7.38 diopters and − 17.13dpt. The patients showed initially in 2001 a LC and a vertically oval optic disc head. After re‐examination in 2011 the LC was not visible in funduscopy or optical coherence tomography.Conclusions: The findings suggest that LCs can decrease in width and severity.