Scleral fixated intraocular lens implantation with a modified Z-suture technique

Scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation with "irregular, knotless, zigzag-shaped scleral tunnel suture technique" combined with pars plana vitrectomy or anterior vitrectomy

PURPOSE

This study aims to introduce a new suture method and report surgical outcomes of patients who underwent scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SF-IOL) implantation combined with either pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or anterior vitrectomy (AV).

METHODS

Twenty-three eyes performed SF-IOL implantation combined with PPV (Group 1), and 34 eyes performed SF-IOL implantation combined with AV (Group 2) were included in the study prospectively. The SF-IOL, either polymethyl methacrylate or foldable IOL, was sutured into the sclera using PC-9 sutures in an irregular, knotless, and zigzag-shaped manner. The scleral tunnel was approximately 12-15 mm long, with at least four sharp edges. Suture tips were trimmed within the scleral tunnel. Postoperative outcomes and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Both groups showed no complications such as suture tip expulsion, suture reaction, IOL dislocation, or increased intraocular pressure during postoperative visits. Group 1 exhibited a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity compared to preoperative values (P = 0.036 for the 1st month, <0.001 for the 3rd month). Similarly, Group 2 demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity compared to the preoperative period (P = 0.001 for the 1st month, <0.001 for the 3rd month).

CONCLUSION

The "irregular, knotless, and zigzag-shaped scleral tunnel suture technique" yielded favorable results in terms of IOL stability and visual acuity. This technique can be safely employed in patients undergoing SF-IOL implantation combined with PPV or AV.

Comparison of three techniques for simultaneous intraocular lens implantation in subluxated cataract surgery: Transconjunctival intrascleral, Z-suture knotless transscleral, and Cionni capsular tension ring assisted

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of three different methods of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the surgery of subluxated cataracts.

METHODS

In this retrospective, comparative, clinical interventional study, the medical records of patients who underwent IOL implantation with sutureless 27-gauge needle-assisted transconjunctival intrascleral (Group 1), Z-suture knotless transscleral (Group 2), and Cionni capsular tension ring (Cionni-CTR) assisted (Group 3) simultaneously with subluxated cataract extraction between June 2010 and June 2022 were evaluated. Demographic characteristics, follow-up times, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical and cylindrical refractive values, and spherical equivalent (SE) values of three groups were compared. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS

There were 20 eyes in Group 1, 35 eyes in Group 2, and 40 eyes in Group 3. In all groups, statistically significant improvement was observed in postoperative UDVA and CDVA compared to preoperative values (each p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the groups in postoperative UDVA and CDVA values. (p = 0.130, p = 0.167 respectively). No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of postoperative spherical, cylindrical, and SE values (each p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that three different IOL implantation techniques for simultaneous IOL implantation in subluxated cataract surgery have similar effects on visual and refractive outcomes.

An Electrocoagulation Fixation Technique for One-Piece Intraocular Lens Scleral Flapless Fixation With Sutures Without Knots

PURPOSE

To present an electrocoagulation fixation technique for one-piece intraocular lens (IOL) scleral flapless fixation with sutures without knots.

METHODS

First of all, after repeated tests and comparisons, we chose 8-0 polypropylene suture as the material for electrocoagulation fixation of one-piece IOL haptics because of its proper elasticity and size. A transscleral tunnel puncture at the pars plana was performed using an arc-shaped needle with 8-0 polypropylene suture. The suture was subsequently guided out of the corneal incision by a 1-mL syringe needle and then guided by the needle into the inferior haptics of the IOL. The suture was cut off and heated into a shape of a probe with a spherical tip using a monopolar coagulation device to prevent slippage from the haptics.

RESULTS

In the end, 10 eyes underwent our new surgical procedures, and the average operation time was 42.5 ± 12.4 minutes. At the 6-month follow-up, seven of 10 eyes achieved significant vision improvement and nine of 10 kept the implanted one-piece IOL stable in the ciliary sulcus. No serious intraoperative/postoperative complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

The electrocoagulation fixation was a safe and effective alternative technique for previously implanted one-piece IOL scleral flapless fixation with sutures without knots.

Scleral-fixated intraocular lens implants-evolution of surgical techniques and future developments

Varied options are available for the implantation of secondary intraocular lens implants in the absence of zonular or capsular support. Loss of the capsule can occur in the context of complicated cataract surgery, trauma or inherited conditions such as Marfan syndrome or pseudoexfoliation. Approaches to overcome this include optical measures such as the use of spectacles or contact lenses, and surgical therapy incorporating the use of anterior chamber, iris-fixated or scleral-fixated lenses. Surgical techniques to implant scleral-fixated lenses have undergone various modifications, since the first publication of sutured intrascleral fixation described in the 1980s. However, despite the advances in surgical techniques, studies are limited either by their retrospective nature, small sample size and most importantly small duration of follow-up. This comprehensive review aims to amalgamate the evolution of various surgical techniques with regards to intrascleral lens fixation and suggests areas for future development.

Scleral fixated secondary intraocular lenses: a review of recent literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

A variety of techniques exist for secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Of note, scleral fixated intraocular lenses have become more popular with a variety of techniques, both with and without use of sutures. Herein, we focus on reviewing recently published studies describing the long-term outcomes of scleral fixation techniques.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although initial papers describing novel techniques often report short-term outcomes, several studies have recently described intermediate and long-term outcomes for scleral fixated IOLs, albeit all being retrospective case series. Suture fixation methods with long-term follow-up, up to a minimum of 50 months, report dislocation rates between 0 and 15%. Sutureless scleral fixation techniques have increased in popularity the past several years. Although they appear to have a lower rate of IOL dislocation: several studies have reported 0% and one study 8%. The follow-up period for sutureless scleral fixation technique studies, however, is shorter with most studies reporting follow-up of less than a year. Rates of retinal detachment vary between individual studies, but are similar for both suture fixation and sutureless with the majority of studies reporting a rate between 0 and 5%. These studies show that long-term outcomes are important considerations in surgical decision-making.

SUMMARY

Scleral fixation techniques have shown long-term durability and safety in recent retrospective studies. Comparison of techniques has been limited, and more robust studies may be required to provide stronger anatomic, functional, and comparative data.