Posterior Scleral Reinforcement Surgery Research Articles

Posterior scleral reinforcement surgery effectively slows the rate of high myopic progression in children

To investigate the rate of axial length elongation and high myopia progression in operated eyes before and after posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) surgery. This was a retrospective study. Children with pathological myopia treated with PSR at Beijing Tongren Hospital between May 2013 and May 2020 were recruited into the PSR surgery group. Children matched for age and myopia were recruited into the control group. All children underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations. The presurgical and postsurgical rates of axial length elongation and myopic (spherical equivalent) progression were calculated. A total of 35 PSR patients were included in the study. The mean age was 6.5±3.0years (range 2 to 14years). Mean follow-up was 544days (range 216 to 1657days). The rate of axial length elongation was significantly less after posterior scleral reinforcement surgery (0.505±0.048mm per year prior to surgery; 0.382±0.045mm per year after surgery, P<0.001). The rate of myopic progression decreased after posterior scleral reinforcement surgery (1.162±0.118D per year prior to surgery; 0.153±0.437D per year after surgery, P=0.0239). There was no statistically significant difference in axial length elongation or myopic progression between pre-inclusion and post-inclusion in the control group. Moreover, the children's best-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved after posterior scleral reinforcement surgery (P<0.001). Posterior scleral reinforcement surgery effectively decreased the rate of high myopic progression and axial length elongation in children.

Clinical outcomes of posterior scleral reinforcement in Chinese high myopia children

We aim to observe the posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) clinical outcomes of children with high myopia and analyze the retinal vessel alteration before and after PSR by using angiography optical coherence tomography (angio-OCT). Fifty-six pediatric participants (112 eyes) clinically diagnosed high myopia were recruited and were treated by PSR in Shanghai Children’s Hospital from June 1, 2021 to May 1, 2023. The average age ranged from 5.42 to 14.83 years (mean 8.83 years) and mean follow up duration was 8.7 months (3–24 months). The axial length (AL) was significantly shortened after PSR (p < 0.05). The spherical equivalent (SE) and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were also improved without severe rejection in the follow-up. Compared with baseline, angio-OCT parafoveal vessel indices including vascular area density (VAD) and vascular skeleton density (VSD) on the superficial capillary plexus layer (SCPL), as well as VAD and vessel perimeter index (VPI) on the deep capillary plexus layer (DCPL), were significantly increased after PSR surgery (p < 0.05). VPI on the SCPL, vascular diameter index (VDI) and VSD on the DCPL were also improved without statistical difference after PSR. The VSD on SCPL, VAD on DCPL of the right eyes and the VPI on SCPL of the left eyes were significantly increased after PSR (p < 0.05). PSR surgery can shorten the AL and can stable BCVA and SE in high myopia children. The angio-OCT parameters indicated that the retinal microcirculation supply was significantly improved after PSR.

Effect and safety posterior scleral reinforcement on controlling myopia in children: a meta-analysis

PurposeThe aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) on the control of pediatric myopia. Electronic databases were systematically searched.MethodsStandardized mean differences (SMDs) of outcomes were calculated. Eight studies with 357 patients with pediatric myopia were included. The SMD for the increase in mean axial length (AL) in the PSR and control group was − 1.19 (95% CI − 1.71, − 0.68). ResultsThe SMD for decrease of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) LogMAR in the PSR and control group was 0.85 (95% CI 0.28, 1.43). The SMD for change in intraocular pressure (IOP) at the time of surgery and at the end of the follow-up period in the PSR group was − 0.01 (95% CI − 0.48, 0.47).ConclusionThis meta-analysis indicates that PSR surgery may be an effective therapeutic strategy to control the progression of myopia in childhood with acceptable adverse effects.

Evaluation of new robust silk fibroin hydrogels for posterior scleral reinforcement in rabbits.

Background: Currently, there is no ideal material available for posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) to prevent the progression of high myopia. In this study, we investigated robust regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) hydrogels as potential grafts for PSR in animal experiments to evaluate their safety and biological reactions. Methods: PSR surgery was performed on the right eye of twenty-eight adult New Zealand white rabbits, with the left eye serving as a self-control. Ten rabbits were observed for 3 months, while 18 rabbits were observed for 6 months. The rabbits were evaluated using intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior segment and fundus photography, A- and B-ultrasound, optical coherence tomography (OCT), histology, and biomechanical tests. Results: No complications such as significant IOP fluctuation, anterior chamber inflammation, vitreous opacity, retinal lesion, infection, or material exposure were observed. Furthermore, no evidence of pathological changes in the optic nerve and retina, or structural abnormalities on OCT, were found. The RSF grafts were appropriately located at the posterior sclera and enclosed in fibrous capsules. The scleral thickness and collagen fiber content of the treated eyes increased after surgery. The ultimate stress of the reinforced sclera increased by 30.7%, and the elastic modulus increased by 33.0% compared to those of the control eyes at 6months after surgery. Conclusion: Robust RSF hydrogels exhibited good biocompatibility and promoted the formation of fibrous capsules at the posterior sclera in vivo. The biomechanical properties of the reinforced sclera were strengthened. These findings suggest that RSF hydrogel is a potential material for PSR.

A case report: Marfan syndrome with X trisomy and FBN1 and SDHB mutations

BackgroundMarfan syndrome (MFS) is a rare autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder affecting the cardiovascular, skeletal, and ophthalmic systems. This report aimed to describe a novel genetic background and treatment prognosis of MFS.Case presentationA proband was initially diagnosed with bilateral pathologic myopia and suspected MFS. We performed whole exome sequencing and found a pathogenic nonsense FBN1 mutation in the proband, which confirmed the diagnosis of MFS. Notably, we identified a second pathogenic nonsense mutation in SDHB, which increased the risk of tumours. In addition, the proband karyotype was X trisomy, which may cause X trisomy syndrome. At the 6-month follow-up after posterior scleral reinforcement surgery, the proband's visual acuity improved significantly; however, myopia was still progressing.ConclusionsWe report a rare case of MFS with a X trisomy genotype, a mutation in FBN1 and a mutation in SDHB for the first time, and our findings could be helpful for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Biomechanical Considerations of Patching Material for Posterior Scleral Reinforcement Surgery.

PurposeTo characterize biomechanical properties of genipin-crosslinked human dura mater as reinforcing material for posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) and to compare it with crosslinked human sclera.MethodsDonor dura mater and sclera were crosslinked in the same optimized genipin solution. Resistance to enzyme degradation for both materials were investigated by exposing the materials to accelerated enzyme degrading. Elastic modulus and tensile strength were measured by biomechanics testing equipment. Crosslinked human dura mater was used as reinforcing patch in PSR on 57 adult pathologic myopic eyes. The patients were followed up for an average 3 years. The main outcome was eye globe axial length change and safety profile of the reinforcing material.ResultsCrosslinked dura mater demonstrated similar percentage weight loss to crosslinked sclera when exposed to enzymatic solution. Dura mater has higher density than sclera. The retaining elastic modulus after enzyme exposure was 72.02 MPa for crosslinked dura mater while 53.88 MPa for crosslinked sclera, 34% greater for crosslinked dura mater, P = 0.0186). At the end of 3 years follow-up, the mean globe axis of the surgery eyes was reduced by 1.29 mm (from 30.81 to 29.51 mm, P < 0.0001, paired t-test). Visual acuity (BCVA logMar) improved by 0.10 logMar unit which is an improvement of five letters (P = 0.0184, paired t-test). No material specific complication was noted.ConclusionCrosslinked human dura mater may be superior to crosslinked human sclera as reinforcing material for PSR to manage progression of high myopia. This material was well tolerated on human eye.

Clinical observation of posterior scleral reinforcement in the treatment of progressive high myopia in Chinese children: a retrospective study

ObjectiveTo observe the efficacy and safety of posterior sclera reinforcement over time.MethodsThis retrospective single-arm cohort study included children with high myopia who underwent the modified Snyder-Thompson type posterior sclera reinforcement surgery from 03/2015 to 08/2018 at Fuzhou Children’s Hospital of Fujian Medical University. Axial length (AL), corneal radius of curvature (CRC), AL/CRC, refractive error, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were observed from 1 year before the operation to 2 years after.ResultsNineteen children (33 eyes) with high myopia were included. The patients were 4.9 ± 2.7 (range, 2–10) years of age (three patients were 10 years old, all others were ≤ 7 years old). AL increased from 1 year before surgery to 2 years after surgery (from 25.31 ± 1.59 to 26.76 ± 1.52, P < 0.001). The refractive error was smaller 1 year before surgery than at the other timepoints (all P < 0.05). BCVA improved over time (P < 0.001). Changes over time were also observed in horizontal CRC (hCRC), AL/hCRC, AL/vertical CRC (vCRC), and AL/CRC (all P < 0.001), but not in vCRC (P = 0.304). The increase of AL at 2 years after surgery was smaller than at 1 year before surgery and 1 year after surgery (both P < 0.001). The increase of AL/CRC at 2 years after surgery was smaller than at 1 year before surgery (0.04 ± 0.04 vs. 0.07 ± 0.04; P = 0.008).ConclusionIn the short term, posterior scleral reinforcement surgery can delay the increase of AL of progressive high myopia.

Analysis of the treatment effect of posterior scleral reinforcement on pathological myopia

Pathological myopia, a blinding eye disease, is the most common cause of visual impairment in Asian countries. The most obvious features of pathological myopia are the elongation of the eye axis, the appearance of posterior scleral staphyloma, and even degenerative changes in the retina and choroid, resulting in corresponding complications and ultimately leading to marked visual impairment. Controlling the elongated eye axis is a key factor in preventing the complications of pathological myopia. Posterior scleral reinforcement is the main surgical method to delay the elongation of the eye axis and treat the posterior scleral staphyloma. Although most studies have confirmed that posterior scleral reinforcement is effective in delaying axial elongation and treating myopia, some scholars hold negative views on this surgery. This article summarizes the relevant research results of posterior scleral reinforcement surgery in the treatment of pathological myopia, concerning patients' vision, refractive power, eye axis, and corneal curvature, and discusses the effectiveness of the surgery. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 952-957).

A Three-Dimensional-reconstruction-based study on the ocular volume of Chinese children with high myopia

BackgroundHighly myopic eyes differ in morphology from emmetropic eyes, and the correct estimation of the vitreous volume is difficult. To explore an effective method to estimate ocular volume using refractive factors in children.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of children with high myopia who visited the Shenzhen Shekou People’s Hospital (July-December 2018) before undergoing posterior scleral reinforcement surgery. Data on refractive factors and ocular 3D reconstruction imaging based on high-end CT were collected for linear correlation and linear regression analyses.ResultsTen patients (20 eyes) were included. There are nine males and one female. They were 4 to 12 years of age. The spherical equivalent ranges from + 0.25 to -20.00 D. The cylindrical equivalent ranges from − 0.50 to -6.25 D. The AL(axial length, AL) ranges from 21.78 to 33.90 mm. The corneal curvature (mean) ranges from 42.44 to 46.75. The 3D reconstruction of the CT images shows that the ocular volume ranges from 4.591 to 10.988 ml. The ocular volume of the 20 eyes decreases with the increase of diopter and total curvature, both presenting a linear trend, with the Pearson correlation coefficients being − 0.776 (P < 0.001) and − 0.633 (P = 0.003), respectively. The ocular volume of the 20 eyes increases with the increasing AL, also presenting a linear trend, with the Pearson correlation coefficient being 0.939 (P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn children, the ocular volume is negatively and linearly correlated with the diopter and curvature, and positively and linearly correlated with the AL.

Investigation of Macular Choroidal Thickness and Blood Flow Change by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography After Posterior Scleral Reinforcement

Purpose: This work aimed to study the effect of posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) on choroidal thickness (CT) and blood flow.Methods: This study included 25 eyes of 24 patients with high myopia ( ≤ -6.0 dioptres or axial length ≥ 26.0 mm) who underwent PSR surgery. All patients completed the 1-month follow-up visit. Myopic macular degeneration (MMD) was graded according to the International Meta-Analysis for Pathologic Myopia (META-PM) classification based on color fundus photographs. Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SSOCTA) was performed to investigate CT, choroidal perfusion area (CPA), and choriocapillaris perfusion area (CCPA) change following PSR surgery.Results: The distribution of MMD categories was 9 (36.0%) in category 1, 10 (40.0%) in category 2, and 6 (24.0%) in category 3 or 4. MMD severity was strongly correlated with CT (all P < 0.01) and CPA (all P < 0.04). Postoperative CT at each sector increased significantly at 1 week's follow-up, compared to preoperative measures (all P < 0.05). Postoperative CPA at subfoveal, superior, inferior, and nasal sectors also increased significantly 1 week after PSR surgery (all P < 0.05). Moreover, the increased CT, CPA, and CCPA remain after PSR surgery at 1 month's follow-up, but the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusions: We demonstrated that the CT and choroidal blood flow increased significantly in patients with high myopia who underwent PSR surgery in a short period of time. In addition, the CT and CPA were independently associated with MMD. However, whether the transient improvement of the choroidal circulation could prevent long-term progression of high myopia warrants further study in the future.

Treatment effect of posterior scleral reinforcement on controlling myopia progression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundHigh myopia is a sight-threatening disease that causes axial length elongation and severe complications. Data on the benefits of posterior scleral reinforcement surgery in myopia control have been conflicting. The purpose of this study was to explore the treatment effect and complications of posterior scleral reinforcement in the treatment of myopia.MethodsArticles were retrieved for relevant studies from inception to July 24, 2019, by PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid. Analyses were conducted to compare the treatment effects of controlling spherical equivalent refraction and axial length elongation. The weighted mean difference and Hedges’ adjusted g were used to evaluate the treatment effects, with a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was quantified using I2 statistic and explored by subgroup analysis. Publication bias was addressed by funnel plots and Egger’s test.ResultsA total of 11 articles were included in this meta-analysis. On estimating the treatment effect, the mean differences of myopia progression and axial length changes between surgery and control groups were 0.41 diopters per year (95% CI 0.21 to 0.61; P < .001) and −0.17 mm per year (95% CI −0.22 to −0.11; P < .001). Subgroup analysis showed significant treatment effects of the single wide strip operation. Single-arm meta-analysis showed less annual axial elongation in children subgroup. These results were robust by sensitivity analysis. The incidence of some major complications in the operation group were significantly greater (5.8% vs 2.7% for myopic degeneration; 2.3% vs 1.6% for macular hemorrhage; 0.8% vs 0 for retinal detachment).ConclusionPosterior scleral reinforcement may be an effective surgery on controlling myopia progression by slowing both refraction and axial length change. However, frequent surgical complications should be considered. Further well-designed studies are needed to determine the long-term safety and efficacy.

The efficacy of modified posterior scleral reinforcement with round scleral patches in Chinese children with high myopia.

To observe the efficacy of modified Snyder-Thompson posterior scleral reinforcement with round scleral patches in Chinese children with high myopia. This retrospective study included 46 Chinese children with high myopia (72 eyes) who underwent modified Snyder-Thompson posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) with round scleral patches and 43 Chinese children with high myopia (67 eyes) who wore only spectacles as a control group. Both groups attended a follow-up at 3years. Axial length (AL), spherical equivalent (SE), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and full ocular assessment results were evaluated at the initial and final visits. Complications were recorded. AL had increased by 0.29 ± 0.33mm in the PSR group and 0.82 ± 0.33mm in the control group (P < 0.0001) at the final follow-up. The change in the SE was 0.31 ± 0.81 D in the PSR group and 2.25 ± 1.02 D in the control group (P < 0.0001). A decrease of 0.02 ± 0.11 LogMAR was found in the control group, and a change of 0.22 ± 0.35 LogMAR was found in the PSR group. No serious complications due to PSR surgery occurred. Modified Snyder-Thompson PSR surgery with round scleral patches can effectively limit the progression of axial elongation in Chinese children with high myopia. The operation is safe, causes little damage, and can be customized.

Posterior Scleral Reinforcement to Prevent Progression of High Myopia.

Background:Myopia has become a global public health problem. High myopia is linked to pathologic myopia (PM). As the severity of myopia increases, excessive axial elongation of the globe exerts a biomechanical stretch on the posterior pole, followed by a series of retinopathy which can lead to marked visual impairment. Posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) is the only way that may have the potential to prevent the progression of axial elongation. Some scholars expressed satisfaction with the efficacy and safety of PSR. In contrast, other surgeons had negative conclusions on the outcomes for the surgery.Objectives:The aims of this review are to provide an update on the current knowledge of posterior scleral reinforcement to prevent progression of high myopia and to discuss clinical trials examining the potential utility of PSR in treating this disease.Methods:We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) (all years to 1 July 2019). We also conducted a gray literature search and handsearched reference lists of included studies and pertinent review articles.Results:26 clinical trials were included. 20 trials were designed as only one eye of each patient had posterior scleral reinforcement surgery. After 3 to 5 years of follow-up, the results are very satisfactory. 6 randomized controlled trials, which have conservatively treated groups, showed statistically significant differences between the eyeball axial length progression in the study group and the control group, where surgery was not performed. Most clinical trials reached a positive influence. But the efficacy of different clinical trials varies greatly.Conclusions:PSR, is safe and effective to slowdown myopia progression, especially for high myopia.

Macular retinal thickness and flow density change by optical coherence tomography angiography after posterior scleral reinforcement

Optical coherence tomography angiography (Angio-OCT) has introduced a new non-invasive, quantitative method to assess superficial and deep capillary networks of the retina. In this study, we investigated macular retinal thickness and flow density change following posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) surgery, using an RTVue XR Avanti Angio-OCT (A2016.2.0.35, Optovue, Fremont, CA), in patients with pathological myopia. A total of 13 patients with pathological myopia were recruited and all patients completed the 6 months follow-up visit. Data from 22 eyes were used in this study. The mean age was 36.23±15.29 years, and 43% (n=6) were men. Spherical equivalent refractive error (SE) ranged from -8.0 to -24.0 D. Post-operative axial length, best-corrected visual acuity and SE did not change significantly at each follow-up, compared with preoperative measure (all P>0.05). Postoperative flow density of superficial and deep retinal layers at each sector did not change significantly at each follow-up, compared to pre-operative measure (all P>0.05). However, we found significant decrease in retinal thickness of parafovea-inferior sector after PSR surgery (P<0.01), indicating potential relaxation of vitreofoveal traction after PSR surgery.

Axial Length/Corneal Radius of Curvature Ratio Assessment of Posterior Sclera Reinforcement for Pathologic Myopia

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the axial length/corneal radius of curvature ratio changes after posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) for pathologic myopia. Procedures: This study enrolled 32 pathologically myopic eyes treated with PSR and 35 untreated pathologically myopic eyes. Axial length, refractive error, best corrected visual acuity, corneal radius of curvature, and the axial length/corneal radius of curvature ratio were evaluated during the 1-year follow-up. Results: There were no statistical differences in each parameter between the 2 groups at baseline. Significant differences were found between the 2 groups in both axial elongation and best corrected visual acuity improvement. The average axial length/horizontal corneal radius of curvature ratio significantly decreased in the PSR group. Conclusion: The PSR surgery can effectively delay the axial elongation in pathological myopia. Axial length/horizontal corneal radius of curvature ratio significantly decreased, which may indicate less myopic progression after surgery.

A preliminary study on macular retinal and choroidal thickness and blood flow change after posterior scleral reinforcement by optical coherence tomography angiography

Objective: To investigate macular retinal and choroidal thickness and blood flow change using optical coherence tomography angiography after posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) surgery. Methods: Prospective study. Twenty eyes of 10 patients with high myopia were enrolled in this open-label, single-treatment group and prospective study. Radial lines and Angio retina (3 mm×3 mm) module were performed for 20 eyes using Angio-vue optical coherence tomography (Avanti, Optovue) without pupil dilation, and best corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent and axial length were compared before and 60 days after surgery. Retinal and choroidal thickness was measured in the fovea, 1 mm superior, 1 mm inferior, 1 mm nasal and 1 mm temporal to the fovea. Flow area, flow density and flow index were recorded using self-provided software in the superficial retina layer, deep retina layer, outer retina layer and choroid capillary layer, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0. Data that followed normal distribution were compared with paired two-sample t-test, while others were compared with Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Of the patients participating in this preliminary study, the mean age was (35.5±4.2) years, and 50% were female. No significant difference was found between before and 60 days after PSR surgery in best corrected visual acuity (t=0.99, P=0.33), spherical equivalent (t=-1.89, P=0.07) and axial length (t=0.2, P=0.08). The retinal thickness in the fovea was thinner (Z=-2.58, P=0.01), while there was no significant difference in the 1 mm superior (t=0.44, P=0.67) , 1 mm inferior (t=0.05, P=0.96) , 1 mm nasal (Z=0.87, P=0.64) and 1 mm temporal (Z=-0.78, P=0.99) to the fovea. No significant difference was found in choroidal thickness (t=-0.12, P=0.87; t=-0.25, P=0.81. t=0.53, P=0.61; t=-0.91, P=0.38. t=1.2, P=0.25) before and after surgery. The postoperative flow density in the superficial and deep retinal layers (48.18±4.56% and 31.47±5.11%) was significantly increased (t=2.66, P=0.02; t=3.16, P=0.01) compared with pre-operation (33.82±4.33% and 14.29±3.89%). The postoperative flow index in the superficial and deep retina layers (0.044±0.005 and 0.025±0.005) was significantly increased (t=2.59, P=0.02. t=2.95, P=0.01) compared with pre-operation (0.028±0.004 and 0.010±0.003). The other flow measurements showed no significant difference. Conclusion: Retinal thickness decreased, and flow density and index increased in the superficial and deep retinal layers after PSR surgery. This suggested blood flow improvement in the macular region after PSR surgery in high myopic eyes. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53:39-45).

Application of optical coherence tomography angiography in assessment of posterior scleral reinforcement for pathologic myopia.

To investigate the effect of posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) on circulation of pathologic myopia eyes with posterior staphyloma by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The study included 30 pathologic myopia eyes with posterior staphyloma which underwent PSR (PSR group) for 6 to 18mo ago, and 30 age and myopia matched eyes without PSR surgery as control group. Macular, choriocapillaris and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) flow density were measured by OCTA, and the measurements were compared between groups. OCTA found no significant differences in macular flow density between PSR and control groups. For the superficial flow, whole enface flow density (WED), fovea density (FD), and parafoveal density (PD) were 46.55%±5.19% vs 47.29%±4.12% (P=0.542), 31.45%±6.35% vs 31.17%±4.48% (P=0.841), and 48.82%±5.66% vs 49.21%±4.15% (P=0.756) in PSR and control groups, respectively. For the deep flow, WED, FD, and PD were 52.07%±5.78% vs 53.95%±4.62% (P=0.168), 29.62%±6.55% vs 29.50%±6.38% (P=0.940), and 56.93%±6.17% vs 58.15%±5.13% (P=0.407) in PSR and control groups, respectively. The choriocapillary flow density was 61.18±3.25% in PSR group vs 60.88%±2.56% in control group (P=0.692). Also, OCTA found no significant differences in RPCs flow density between PSR and control groups. The optic disc WED, inside disc flow density and peripapillary flow density were 48.47%±4.77% vs 48.11%±4.57% (P=0.813), 45.47%±11.44% vs 46.68%±9.02% (P=0.709), 54.32%±5.29% vs 52.47%±6.62% (P=0.349) in PSR and control groups, respectively. OCTA provides a non-invasive and quantitative approach for monitoring macular and papillary blood flow in pathologic myopia. PSR can not improve but may maintain the circulation of pathologic myopia eyes with posterior staphyloma.

Posterior scleral reinforcement combined with patching therapy for pre-school children with unilateral high myopia.

Our purpose was to investigate the effect of posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) combined with patching therapy for pre-school children with unilateral high myopia. A total of 32 pre-school children with unilateral high myopia were recruited. They were randomly divided into the PSR and control group, each of which had 16 patients. The patients in the PSR group underwent the simplified PSR surgery followed by rigid gas permeable contact lens wear and traditional patching therapy, while the patients in the control group were only prescribed contact lens wear and patching. Patients were reviewed and the axial length, refraction, best-corrected visual acuity, and stereoscopic vision were respectively examined postoperatively at yearly intervals for three years. The best-corrected visual acuity was significantly higher in the PSR group than that in the control group at any study visit. A statistically significant difference in axial length was found between the PSR group (27.38 ± 1.30 mm) and the control group (28.29 ± 0.74 mm) at the postoperative three-year (p = 0.03) time point. There was a statistical difference in refractive error between the PSR group (-13.13 ± 2.55 D) and the control group (-15.42 ± 1.83 D) at 3-year follow-up. No significant difference was found between the two groups with respect to the stereoscopic vision by the end of follow-up at 3 years (p =0.103). PSR combined with the patching therapy has the potential to arrest the progression of high myopia and to help the treatment for amblyopia.

Posterior Scleral Reinforcement on Progressive High Myopic Young Patients

To evaluate the effect of posterior scleral reinforcement in controlling high myopic axial progression in young patients. Only one eye of each patient had posterior scleral reinforcement surgery. Before surgery and at each postoperative follow-up, the best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, refractive errors, indirect ophthalmoscopy, B-type ultrasonography, and IOLMASTER reflected light biometry were performed on both eyes. The changes of axial length and the changes of refractive errors from the baseline were compared between the surgery eyes and the contralateral eyes. Thirty patients had a mean age of 7.5 years and a mean spherical equivalent of -9.72 diopters. The mean elongation of axial length was significantly less in the surgery eye group than that in the contralateral eye group (0.75 mm vs. 0.94 mm, p < 0.0001, paired t test) after a mean follow-up of 895 days. The surgical effect was mild but maintained during the follow-up. The eyes with staphyloma gained less surgical effect when compared with the eyes without staphyloma (p = 0.0036). There was also a notable nonstatistically significant trend for younger patients to gain a larger surgical effect (p = 0.0986). Posterior scleral reinforcement surgery was found effective in slowing down high myopic axial progression in young patients within the study period, but the size of the effect was small. The surgical procedure is well tolerated without vision-threatening complications.

The efficacy and safety of modified Snyder–Thompson posterior scleral reinforcement in extensive high myopia of Chinese children

To observe the efficacy and safety of modified Snyder-Thompson posterior scleral reinforcement in extensive high myopia of Chinese children. We had a retrospective design, and included a control group of children with natural progression of high myopia. This study included 64 eyes in 41 Chinese children with extensive high myopia who underwent modified Snyder-Thompson posterior scleral reinforcement surgery (PSR group), and 17 eyes in 11 age- and myopia-matched children who wore spectacles (control group). The mean follow-up was 4.99 ± 1.3 years in the PSR group and 4.48 ± 1.3 years in the control group. Axial length, spherical equivalent (SE), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and fundus examinations were recorded before and after treatment, and complications were noted. The mean change in SE at the end of the follow-up period was 1.5 ± 1.44 diopters (D) and 3.02 ± 1.57D in the PSR and control groups respectively. These changes were equivalent to an increase in axial length of 1.27 ± 0.54 mm and 2.05 ± 0.91 mm respectively. The PSR group showed less myopic progression and less eye elongation (p < 0.001). A notable increase in UCVA was only found in the PSR group (p = 0.0001). The improvement in BCVA was significantly greater in the PSR group (p = 0.0354). There were no serious complications of PSR surgery. The modified Snyder-Thompson PSR surgery was effective and safe in controlling extensive high myopia of Chinese children.