Long-term results of scleral reinforcement surgery.

Of 40 scleral reinforcement operations for progressive severe myopia, 23 patients were followed up for a minimum of five years. Ten of 23 patients showed an essentially stable postoperative course (43%) while 13 (57%) had increases in myopia of -1.0 diopter or more. Among the operated on eyes, 17 of 23 eventually had some increase in myopia. Of the 20 eyes that had preoperative axial measurements, 18 (90%) had increases in axial diameter of 0.3 mm or more. There were complications in six of the 40 eyes, including anterior uveitis, motility disorders, and retinal detachment. Progression of posterior staphyloma formation or the onset of myopic fundus degeneration was observed in ten eyes. Two problems with this surgery are the limited scleral area reinforced by narrow grafts and the possible late involvement of graft collagen in the disease process of host sclera.