A comparative study of transscleral suture-fixated and scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation

Severe Spontaneous Tilt of Scleral-Fixated Intraocular Lenses

PURPOSE

To report and evaluate a multicenter series of 18 cases of severe, spontaneous IOL tilt involving the flanged intrascleral haptic fixation technique (FISHF).

DESIGN

Clinical study with historical controls.

METHODS

We report a cross-sectional study of 46 FISHF cases using the CT Lucia 602 IOL at a single academic center over a period of 24 weeks to determine the incidence of severe rotisserie-style rotational tilt. These rates were then compared with the same time-frame the prior year to help determine if this is a new phenomenon. Additional cases of severe tilt were solicited from another 4 academic centers.

RESULTS

Among 46 FISHF cases at a single center, 5 developed severe tilt. No clear pattern in surgical technique, ocular history, or ocular anatomy was evident in these cases compared with controls, although the involved IOLs clustered within a narrow diopter range, indicative of a batch effect. In the same 24-week interval the year before, 33 FISHF cases were performed, none of which exhibited severe rotational tilt. In our multicenter dataset, 18 cases of tilt were identified. Surgeons included fellow and early-career physicians as well as surgeons with multiple years of experience with the Yamane technique. A variety of surgical approaches for FISHF were represented. In at least 8 of the cases, haptic rotation and/or dehiscence at the optic-haptic junction were documented.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of haptic rotation and dehiscence intraoperatively in several cases may reflect a new stability issue involving the optic-haptic junction.

Pars plana vitrectomy and scleral-fixated intraocular lenses: comparison of Gore-Tex suture and flanged intrascleral haptic fixation techniques

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical outcomes of combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and secondary scleral fixation of an intraocular lens (IOL) using Gore-Tex suture versus flanged intrascleral haptic fixation (FIHF) using double needles.

DESIGN

Single-centre retrospective cohort series.

PARTICIPANTS

Eyes undergoing PPV with simultaneous scleral fixation of an IOL.

METHOD

Eyes that underwent fixation of a Bausch & Lomb Akreos AO60 or enVista MX60E IOL using Gore-Tex suture or a Tecnis ZA9003 or Zeiss CT LUCIA 602 IOL using FIHF were included. The primary outcome was change from baseline visual acuity to postoperative month 3. Secondary outcomes included deviation from refractive target aim and rates of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine eyes of 72 patients were included. Mean (±SD) follow-up was 16 ± 10.5 months (range, 4.5-45.2 months). Fifty-three eyes (67.1%) underwent Gore-Tex suture fixation, and 26 eyes (32.9%) underwent FIHF. Across all eyes, mean visual acuity improved from 1.30 ± 0.74 logMAR (20/399 Snellen equivalent) preoperatively to 0.36 ± 0.36 logMAR (20/45 Snellen equivalent) at 3 months (p < 0.001). No difference in visual acuity at month 3 was noted between the 2 techniques (p = 0.34). Mean deviation from refractive target aim was not significantly different between the Gore-Tex and FIHF groups (+0.14 ± 1.33 D vs -0.16 ± 0.88 D; p = 0.45). Reoperation rates were similar between groups (2 of 53 eyes in the Gore-Tex group vs 3 of 26 eyes in the FIHF group; p = 0.32).

CONCLUSION

Combined PPV and scleral fixation of IOLs with Gore-Tex suture and FIHF resulted in similar improvements in visual acuity. No significant differences in refractive outcome and postoperative complication profiles were noted.

Longer axial length is associated with better prediction for refractive error after sutureless flanged intrascleral fixation of intraocular lens

OBJECTIVE

To investigate refractive outcomes and associated factors after sutureless flanged intrascleral fixation of intraocular lens (SFIF-IOL).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of consecutive patients who underwent SFIF-IOL at a single centre. The prediction error (PE; difference between the achieved and target refractive error) and absolute PE (APE) were analysed. Risk factors associated with refractive surprise, defined as APE > +0.5 D, were investigated using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Ninety-one eyes were included. At the final follow-up, the mean PE and APE were +0.07 ± 0.88 and +0.68 ± 0.56 D, respectively. Refractive surprise was observed in 44 eyes (54.3%) and was associated with a shorter axial length (AL) [odds ratio, 0.825; 95% confidence interval, 0.688-0.991; P = 0.039]. APE showed a significant correlation with AL at the final visit (⍴ = -0.269, P = 0.010), and eyes with AL ≥ 26 mm had significantly lower APE than did those with AL of 24-26 mm (P = 0.021) and AL < 24 mm (P = 0.0059).

CONCLUSIONS

The refractive outcome after SFIF-IOL using manufacturer's A constant was favourable on average. Eyes with a longer AL were more likely to show a smaller deviation from the target refraction.

Effect of sutureless scleral fixed intraocular lens implantation on aphakic eyes: a system review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sutureless scleral fixed intraocular lens implantation (SF-IOL) has become one of the mainstream schemes in clinical treatment of aphakic eyes because of its advantages, such as avoiding dislocation of intraocular lens or subluxation caused by suture degradation or fracture and significant improvement of postoperative visual acuity. However, a consensus on the relative effectiveness and safety of this operation and other methods is still lacking. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of sutureless SF-IOL with other methods. Aphakia means that the lens leaves the normal position and loses its original function, including absence or complete dislocation and subluxation of the lens which could cause anisometropic amblyopia, strabismus, and loss of binocular function in children and adolescents. For adults, the loss of the lens could lead to high hyperopia and affect vision. Above all this disease can seriously affect the quality of life of patients.

METHODS

Literature about sutureless SF-IOL in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Technical Journal VIP database, and Wanfang database published from 2000 to 2022 was reviewed. The weighted average difference was calculated by RevMan5.3 software for analysis. Two researchers independently selected the study and used the Cochrane collaboration tool to assess the risk of errors. Cochrane bias risk tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022363282).

RESULTS

The postoperative IOL-related astigmatism of sutureless SF-IOL was lower than that of suture SF-IOL, and there was statistical difference when we compared the absolute postoperative spherical equivalent after sutureless SF-IOL and suture SF-IOL. Indicating that the degree of refractive error after sutureless SF-IOL was lower. Meanwhile, the operation time of sutureless SF-IOL was shorter than that of suture SF-IOL. The subgroup analysis showed that the absolute postoperative spherical equivalent and astigmatism values in Yamane technique were lower than those in suture SF-IOL.

CONCLUSION

Sutureless SF-IOL has the advantages of stable refraction, short operation time, and less postoperative complications. However, high-quality literature to compare these technologies is lacking. Some long-term follow-up longitudinal prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Improving Effective Lens Position Prediction for Transscleral Fixation of Intraocular Lens Among Congenital Ectopia Lentis Patients

PURPOSE

To introduce a method of predicting effective lens position (ELP) among congenital ectopia lentis (CEL) patients undergoing transscleral fixation of intraocular lens (IOL), and evaluate its effect on improving refractive outcome by utilizing the Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff / theoretical (SRK/T) formula.

DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A training set (93 eyes) and validation set (25 eyes) was included. Z value as the distance between the iris plane and a hypothetic postoperative IOL position was introduced in this study. The Z-modified ELP consisted of corneal height (Ch) and Z (ELP = Ch + Z), and Ch was calculated by keratometry (Km) and white-to-white (WTW). The value of Z was identified by linear regression formula with the involvement of axial length (AL), Km, WTW, age, and gender. The comparison of mean (MAE) and mediate absolute error (MedAE) among Z-modified SRK/T formula, SRK/T, Holladay I, and Hoffer Q formula was performed to evaluate the performance of Z-modified SRK/T formula.

RESULTS

Z value was associated with AL, K, WTW, and age (Z = offset + 15.1093 × lg (AL) + 0.0953899 × Km - 0.3910268 × WTW + 0.0164197 × Age - 19.34804). The Z-modified ELP has good accuracy with no difference to back-calculated ELP. The accuracy of Z-modified SRK/T formula was better than other formulas (P < .001) as the MAE was 0.24 ± 0.19 diopter (D) and MedAE was 0.22 D (95% CI: 0.01-0.57 D). Sixty-four percent of eyes had a refractive error smaller than ±0.25 D, and none of the subjects had a prediction error greater than ±0.75 D.

CONCLUSIONS

ELP of CEL can be accurately predicted by AL, Km, WTW, and age. Z-modified SRK/T formula improved on the current formula by improving predicting accuracy of ELP and may serve as a promising formula for CEL patients with transscleral fixation of IOL.

Research progress of lens zonules

Background

The lens zonule, a circumferential system of fibres connecting the ciliary body to the lens, is responsible for centration of the lens. The structural, functional, and positional abnormalities of the zonular apparatus can lead to the abnormality of the intraocular structure, presenting a significant challenge to cataract surgery.

Main text

The lens zonule is the elaborate system of extracellular fibers, which not only centers the lens in the eye but also plays an important role in accommodation and lens immunity, maintains the shape of the lens, and corrects spherical aberration. The zonules may directly participate in the formation of cataract via the immune mechanism. Abnormal zonular fibers that affect the position and shape of the lens may play an important role in the pathogenesis of angle closure disease and increase the complexity of the surgery. Capsular tension rings and related endocapsular devices are used to provide sufficient capsular bag stabilization and ensure the safety of cataract surgery procedures. Better preoperative and intraoperative evaluation methods for zonules are needed for clinicians.

Conclusions

The microstructure, biomechanical properties, and physiological functions of the lens zonules help us to better understand the pathogenesis of cataract and glaucoma, facilitating the development of safer surgical procedures for cataract. Further studies are needed to carefully analyze the structure-function relationship of the zonular apparatus to explore new treatment strategies for cataract and glaucoma.

A Comparison of Visual Quality and Contrast Sensitivity between Patients with Scleral-Fixated and In-Bag Intraocular Lenses

Purpose: To analyze visual quality and contrast sensitivity in patients after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with sutured scleral fixation. Setting: Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan. Design: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Data on the refractive outcome, visual acuity, and subjective visual symptoms in patients with scleral-fixated or in-bag IOL implantation were collected from September 2019 to March 2020. We also investigated patients’ postoperative higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and dysphotopsia using a wavefront aberrometer and glaretester, respectively. The following values were compared: corrected distance visual acuity, spherical equivalent, root mean square values for aberrations, and contrast sensitivity. Results: A total of 23 eyes implanted with scleral-fixated IOL and 74 eyes with in-bag IOL were studied. The mean postoperative spherical equivalent and logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution after scleral fixation were −1.09 ± 3.32 D and 0.20 ± 0.17, respectively. The ocular HOAs were higher in the scleral-fixation group than in the in-bag group (p = 0.001). Contrast sensitivity was negatively associated with age, and it was similar between the two groups after controlling for the age effect. Conclusions: Ocular HOAs and refractive errors were higher in the scleral-fixation group than in the in-bag group. However, no significant difference was noted in contrast sensitivity between advanced scleral fixation and in-bag IOL implantation.

Long-term outcomes of modified glued versus flanged intrascleral haptic fixation techniques for secondary intraocular lenses

PURPOSE

To report the long-term refractive outcomes and complications of two scleral fixation techniques for secondary intraocular lenses (IOL).

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent secondary IOL insertion at a tertiary care academic hospital using either modified glued ("glued") or flanged intrascleral haptic fixation (FISHF) techniques with over 12 months of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), postoperative complications, and refractive surprises were reported.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients underwent "glued" fixation and 22 underwent FISHF, with mean follow-up times of 3.1 ± 0.5 and 2.0 ± 1.2 years, respectively. Aphakia secondary to trauma was the main surgical indication. MA50BM or MA60AC IOLs (Alcon Laboratories Inc., Fort Worth, TX) were implanted in 92% of "glued" patients, while CT Lucia 602 IOLs (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., Dublin, CA) were used in 96% of FISHF patients. Postoperative spherical equivalent significantly improved compared to preoperative values (p < 0.001). No significant difference in CDVA was seen between the two techniques. FISHF resulted in mean hyperopic surprises of + 0.81D and + 0.69D using the Holladay 2 and Barrett Universal II formulae, respectively, which was significantly greater than the "glued" patients. A higher rate of IOL dislocation was seen in the "glued" cohort (13%) compared to FISHF (0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Retrospective long-term outcomes of patients with complex ocular comorbidities undergoing a modified "glued" technique demonstrated a higher rate of IOL dislocation but more predictable refractive outcomes compared to the FISHF technique. The FISHF technique resulted in a significant hyperopic shift using fourth-generation IOL calculators.

Outcomes of flanged IOL fixation combined with microhook trabeculotomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of flanged intraocular lens fixation combined with microhook trabeculotomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was a retrospective case series and included nine eyes of nine exfoliation glaucoma patients with subluxated lens or intraocular lens who underwent flanged intraocular lens fixation combined with microhook trabeculotomy between May 2019 and February 2020 at the Kochi University Hospital. The mean best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and number of antiglaucoma medications were compared before and after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 5.67 ± 2.50 months. The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 0.83 ± 0.72 preoperatively to 0.22 ± 0.34 at the last visit (p = 0.015). The mean intraocular pressure had significantly reduced from 27.1 ± 8.12 mmHg preoperatively to 13.2 ± 3.73 at the last visit (p = 0.008). The mean number of antiglaucoma medications decreased significantly from 4.56 ± 1.88 to 2.0 ± 1.0 at the last visit (p = 0.008). Postoperative intraocular pressure control to 21 mmHg or lower was achieved or maintained in all patients. Postoperative vitreous hemorrhage was observed in six eyes (66.7%), two of which needed reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that flanged intraocular lens fixation combined with microhook trabeculotomy might be effective for exfoliation glaucoma with subluxated lens or intraocular lens.

Accuracy of intraocular lens calculation formulas for eyes with insufficient capsular support

Background

There is no consensus on which intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formula provides the best refractive prediction in patients with inadequate capsular support whose anterior ocular anatomic structure differs from that of normal subjects. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the accuracy and performance of IOL calculation formulas (SRK/T, Holladay 1, Hoffer Q, Haigis, and Barrett Universal II) in predicting postoperative refractive prediction error (PE) for this subgroup of patients.

Methods

A total of 110 eyes from 110 patients with insufficient capsular support who underwent scleral fixation of an IOL at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from July 1, 2016 to November 30, 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Preoperative optical biometrics were measured with the IOL Master 500 (Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany). The performance of each formula in predicting PE was compared, and the effect of keratometry and axial length (AL) on PE was evaluated for each formula using univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results

The mean age of the included participants was 12.54±9.66 years. The Sanders, Retzlaff, and Manus/theoretical (SRK/T) (-0.25 D) and Holladay 1 (-0.28 D) formulas tended to have minimal postoperative PE compared to the Hoffer Q (-0.62 D), Haigis (-0.67 D), and Barrett Universal II (-0.62 D) formulas (P=0.005). All formulas individually resulted in <70% of eyes within ±1.00 D of the PE. Nevertheless, after constants were optimized, these formulas led to 7.3% to 13.6% of increase within ±1.00 D of the PE. Keratometry and AL were significantly associated with PE for each formula, but the relationship was weakest for SRK/T.

Conclusions

In eyes with insufficient capsular support, postoperative PE was minimal for the SRK/T formula, which suggested SRK/T to be the best choice, especially when the keratometry and AL of patients are extremely large or small.

A Systematic Review on Three Major Types of Scleral-Fixated Intraocular Lens Implantation

PURPOSE

We performed a systematic review on 3 major types of scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SFIOL) implantations and conducted subgroup analyses on pediatric population and subjects with Marfan syndrome.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

We performed a search in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase for English language articles with keywords "(sutured intraocular lens) OR (SFIOL) OR (sutureless intraocular lens) OR (glued intraocular lens) OR (intrascleral intraocular lens) OR (SFIOL)" through October 16, 2019. Articles reporting individual outcomes after SFIOL were included in this systematic review. Recorded outcome measures included intraoperative and postoperative complications, endothelial cell changes, and intraocular lens-related outcomes.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 217 papers. After removing duplicated and irrelevant reports, we included 57 articles involving 2624 eyes. The mean age at operation was 51.47 ± 25.62 years. Sutured SFIOL was most commonly reported in all subjects with Marfan syndrome and 92.87% of pediatric patients. The pooled intraoperative complication rate was 6.65%. Minor anterior chamber hemorrhage was the most common intraoperative (1.92%) and postoperative complication (13.93%). Optic capture was the top intraocular lens (IOL)-related complication (4.47%). The overall mean endothelial cell loss was 8.95% at 16.77 ± 11.04 months. Overall 11.99% of SFIOLs were decentred with a mean distance of 0.49 ± 0.40 mm and a mean degree of tilt by 4.11 ± 3.03°.

CONCLUSIONS

Glued SFIOL had the fewest IOL-related complications and the lowest endothelial cell loss. Sutured SFIOL carried the highest IOL-related complications, whereas sutureless, glueless SFIOL was associated with the greatest endothelial cell loss.

Flanged fixation: Yamane technique and its application

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review variations of flanged intraocular lens fixation (Yamane technique) and their outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Sutureless intrascleral IOL fixation has become popular, and many techniques have been reported. Among them, the Yamane technique has been widely used in recent years, and there are many variations. However, there are no reports that systematically compare them.

SUMMARY

There are variations of the Yamane technique, such as those used to create a scleral tunnel or to dock needles and haptics. Although few reports have directly compared each technique, small scleral wounds appear to be beneficial for long-term stability of the IOL. A method of fixing a capsule tension segment or iris using a flange has also been reported, demonstrating the diverse range of uses of the flange.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Between Intracapsular Implantation and Intrascleral Fixation Using the Same Model of Intraocular Lens

Purpose

To compare the clinical outcomes of intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation surgery with those of intracapsular IOL implantation in conventional cataract surgery.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-one eyes of 21 consecutive patients who underwent intrascleral IOL fixation (SF group) and 21 eyes of 21 patients who underwent IOL intracapsular implantation during cataract surgery (IN group) were retrospectively enrolled. For both groups, the same model of IOL was used in all cases. For all cases in the SF group, Yamane’s double-needle technique was performed.

Results

The mean corrected visual acuity (logMAR) after surgery was significantly better in the IN than in the SF group (−0.063 ± 0.12 vs 0.05 ± 0.14; p = 0.0083). The mean anterior chamber depth after surgery was significantly smaller in the IN than in the SF group (4.65 ± 0.23 mm vs 4.98 ± 0.61 mm; p = 0.0231). The amounts of tilt and decentration were also significantly smaller in the IN group (5.21°± 1.47° and 0.22 ± 0.13 mm, respectively, vs 8.8° ± 3.9° and 0.52 ± 0.35 mm, respectively; p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0007). The mean absolute refractive prediction error was significantly smaller in the IN than in the SF group (0.22 ± 0.17 D vs 0.86 ± 0.59 D; p = 0.0002).

Conclusion

The intrascleral IOL fixation surgery proved to be highly effective. However, its clinical outcomes were slightly inferior to those of IOL intracapsular implantation, and further improvement of this surgical technique may be needed.

Sekundäre Linsenimplantation: chirurgische Techniken und Ergebnisse

Es stehen verschiedene alternative chirurgische Optionen zur Verfügung, um eine sekundäre Intraokularlinse (IOL) in Augen mit unzureichender Kapselunterstützung zu implantieren. Erfolgreiche Techniken umfassen die Implantation einer irisfixierten IOL (IFIOL), einer kammerwinkelgestützten Vorderkammerlinse (ACIOL) oder verschiedene Variationen zur Sklerafixierung (SFIOL). Jede dieser Methoden hat sich als sicher und effektiv erwiesen, weist jedoch verfahrensspezifische Einschränkungen auf. Jüngste Studien zeigen, dass die Entwicklung neuer chirurgischer Techniken diesen Patienten weiterhin sichere und reproduzierbare Behandlungsmöglichkeiten bietet. Obwohl die Implantation von sekundären IOLs ohne Kapselunterstützung von vielen Faktoren, einschließlich der Präferenz des Chirurgen, abhängt, sind nahtlose sklerafixierende Techniken für die chirurgische Gemeinschaft von wachsendem Interesse. Das Bestreben nach kürzeren und weniger traumatischen Operationen sowie nach reproduzierbaren und funktionell guten Ergebnissen, fördert dabei die Entwicklung von neuen Operationstechniken, Intraokularlinsen und Instrumenten. Diese Übersichtsarbeit gibt einen Einblick in alte und neue Behandlungsmethoden zur Korrektur von Aphakie mit sekundären Intraokularlinsen

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.

Use of Techniques for Scleral and Iris Fixation in Secondary Implantation of Intraocular Lenses

Scleral and iris fixation of intraocular lenses (IOL) are useful in the treatment of surgical or traumatic aphakia, luxation, and subluxation of IOL if the patient does not present appropriate capsular support. However, there is no consensus in the literature about which of these 2 methods is safer and better. The authors performed a literature review searching the main postoperative outcomes obtained with the use of each surgical method. Scleral and iris fixation of IOL are efficient in correction of the patients' visual acuity, even though each technique presents distinct complications which depend especially on the experience of the surgeon with the performed surgical method. It is important to understand that individuals submitted to scleral or iris fixation present previous preoperative complications in their eyes. Besides, both procedures are very complex, involving intense manipulation of the eye globe. The success rate of these surgical techniques is highly variable and has a close relation to the preoperative conditions of the patient's eye and the improvement of the surgeon's learning curve.

Scleral fixation of intraocular lenses

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review current, effective and more popular techniques for scleral fixation of intraocular lens (IOLs) and IOL-capsular bag complex.

RECENT FINDINGS

Scleral fixation of IOLs became popular, originally with sutured scleral fixated IOLs and later the Scharioth technique of intrascleral haptic fixation. This was further developed as the Glued IOL technique which enjoys widespread adoption all over the world. Recently the Yamane technique has also become popular and is being widely adopted as well.

SUMMARY

Scleral fixated IOLs have evolved in the last 2 decades with technical modifications, extended indications and improvised instrumentation. Though sutured and sutureless techniques have been growing equally, the sutureless scleral fixation techniques have attracted special interest. Reduced suture-related complications, technical ease and high-quality functional outcomes may be possible reasons. Sutureless capsular bag fixation also has distinct advantages.

Clinical observation of a novel technique: transscleral suture fixation of a foldable 3-looped haptics one-piece posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation through scleral pockets with intact conjunctiva

Background

To present the follow-up outcomes of a modified technique of transscleral suture fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) in eyes with inadequate capsule support.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 21 patients underwent transscleral suture fixation of a foldable 3-looped haptics one-piece PCIOL implantation through scleral pockets was conducted. Preoperative data and follow-up data for at least 3 months were collected for all patients.

Results

The mean operative duration was 36.62 ± 10.70 min. The mean pre- and post-operative LogMAR uncorrected distance visual acuity was (1.25 ± 0.50 vs. 0.41 ± 0.22, P < 0.01). The mean pre- and post-operative LogMAR best corrected visual acuity was (0.48 ± 0.25 vs. 0.33 ± 0.24, P < 0.01). The mean proportion of postoperative endothelial cell loss was 11.46 ± 4.78%. The mean postoperative anterior chamber depth was 3.05 ± 0.44 mm. The mean postoperative IOL tilt degree was 2.81 ± 1.41^°, and the mean postoperative IOL decentration degree was 0.31 ± 0.13 mm. Four patients with transient corneal edema (19.0%) and three patients with transiently elevated IOP (14.3%) were observed after operation, and such complications were resolved within 1 week. No severe complications were observed.

Conclusions

The modified technique was a feasible method of PCIOL implantation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12886-019-1113-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.