Abstract:  Objective · To evaluate the effect of phacoemulsification combining with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in cataract patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and high myopia.  Methods · Five patients (9 eyes) diagnosed with FECD and high myopia were collected retrospectively at Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2015 to February 2016. All the 9 eyes underwent phacoemulsification combining with IOL implantation. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, corneal endothelial cell density (CD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were evaluated. Paired t-test was performed to evaluate the differences.  Results · 88.89% (8/9) of the vision of the patients was improved, the best corrected visual acuity improved at least 2 lines. The intraocular pressure had no statistically significant difference before and after the operation (t=-1.066, P=0.318). The preoperative and postoperative CDs were (2 184.25±196.44) cells/mm2 and (1 910.0±83.41) cells/mm2 (t=2.876, P=0.064). The preoperative and postoperative CCTs were (546.83±33.74) μm and (566.67±24.66) μm (t=1.971, P=0.106). The loss rate for endothelial cells was (12.10±7.84)%. Only one patient was observed corneal edema and the CD could not be determined, so he underwent penetrating keratoplasty.  Conclusion · Phacoemulsification combining with IOL implantation is safe and effective for patients with FECD and high myopia. Preoperative evaluation of corneal endothelium is necessary. Some measures should be taken into consideration to reduce the loss of endothelial cells during in surgery.

Key words: Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, high myopia, cataract, phacoemulsification