Is scleral fixation a safe procedure for intraocular lens implantation?

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.

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

Visual outcomes after lensectomy and iris claw artisan intraocular lens implantation in patients with Marfan syndrome

PURPOSE

To review our experience with crystalline lens extraction and iris claw Artisan IOL implantation in patients with lens subluxation secondary to Marfan syndrome.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 12 eyes of 9 patients with lens subluxation due to Marfan syndrome who underwent crystalline lens removal and Artisan IOL (Ophtec, Groningen, Netherlands) implantation. A questionnaire of pre- and post-operative data, including demographics, pre- and postoperative comorbidities and complications was completed. Patients were evaluated for visual outcome and occurrence of complications. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and spherical equivalents (SE) were compared before and after lens extraction and IOL insertion.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 30.03 ± 15.02 years, and mean post-operative follow-up time was 44.5 ± 16.4 months. Mean BCVA also showed a significant improvement from 0.5 ± 0.3 at the baseline to 0.2 ± 0.2 post-operatively (P = 0.006). SE changed significantly from -11.38 ± 1.99 preoperatively to -0.45 ± 1.65 post-operatively (P = 0.003). All eyes had the IOL implanted at desired position. Post-operative complications were retinal detachment in one case and IOL dislocation in another patient. No other complication such as ocular hypertension, angle abnormalities, clinical cystoids macular edema, and corneal decompensation was observed during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Artisan IOL implantation after lens extraction appears to be an attractive alternative for optical correction in cases of Marfan syndrome with ectopia lentis. It confers a significant improvement in visual acuity with reasonable risk profile.

Visual outcomes of posterior chamber intraocular lens intrascleral fixation in the setting of postoperative and posttraumatic aphakia

Background

Several techniques for fixation of the posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) have been developed. We evaluate long-term functional outcomes and safety of posterior chamber IOL implantation using Hoffman scleral haptic fixation and sutureless Sharioth technique in patients with posttraumatic and postoperative aphakia.

Methods

This retrospective case-series included 42 eyes operated by one surgeon. The data including demographic data, ocular history, preoperative, early postoperative and final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), rate of complications as well as postoperative IOL position were collected. The mean follow-up was 14.5 months. Hoffman haptic scleral fixation was performed in 31 eyes, Sharioth technique—in 11 eyes. Aphakia was due to eye trauma (19) or complicated cataract surgery (23).

Results

Overall, the final BCVA improved in 26 eyes, did not change in 5 eyes, and worsened in 11 eyes. No significant differences in BCVA were found between groups operated with Hoffman scleral fixation and Sharioth technique. Postoperatively, we noticed two dislocations of IOL fixated using Sharioth technique and none after Hoffman technique. No severe complications were observed.

Conclusion

Both transscleral fixation techniques are feasible methods of secondary IOL implantation in posttraumatic and postoperative aphakia. with low incidence of complications, however visual outcomes are diverse.

Visual Outcomes after Primary Iris Claw Artisan Intraocular Lens Implantation during Complicated Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of aphakic Artisan-Verysise intraocular lens (IOL) primarily implanted for complicated cataract surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 49 eyes that underwent primary aphakic Artisan IOL implantation for complicated cataract surgery. Pre- and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and spherical equivalents (SE) were compared.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 68 ± 12.7 years, and the mean follow-up time was 30.7 ± 14.8 months. The mean BCVA improved significantly from 0.58 ± 0.4 at baseline to 0.44 ± 0.41 after the operation (P = 0.008). The spherical equivalent changed insignificantly from -0.13 ± 1.55 preoperatively to -0.6 ± 1.88 (P = 0.724) at the last visit. Postoperative complications were transient pigmented precipitates in five cases and raised intraocular pressure in one case.

CONCLUSION

Aphakic Artisan IOLs are attractive alternatives in complicated cataract surgery without sufficient capsular bag support.

Secondary IOL Implantation without Capsular Support: A Laser Flare Cell Meter Study

Phacoemulsification and the contemporary implantation of intraocular lens (IOL) within the capsular bag represent the standard of care in cataract surgery, but sometimes a primary IOL implant is not possible due to intraoperative complications or preexisting conditions so that a secondary implantation of IOL within the anterior or posterior chamber is necessary. The aim of our study was to assess the degree of inflammation due to a secondary implant of claw lenses, angle-supported IOLs, and scleral-fixated IOLs by means of an objective, repeatable, and noninvasive device, the laser flare cell meter, which evaluates aqueous flare and cells within the anterior chamber in vivo and to show the contribution of the single IOLs to the genesis of inflammation.

Prevention of suture exposure in transscleral intraocular lens fixation: an original technique

BACKGROUND

In this retrospective study, we evaluated our surgical outcomes of transscleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation and introduced a simple, quick, and effective method to fixate and bury the sutures in the sclera to avoid suture exposure.

METHODS

Eyes were divided into 3 groups according to surgical technique. Half-thickness scleral flaps were prepared, and polypropylene suture ends were cut short in group 1 (12 eyes). Suture ends were left long without flaps in group 2 (47 eyes) and were buried into the scleral tunnel in group 3 (21 eyes).

RESULTS

The suture exposure rate was significantly lower in group 3 (0%) compared with group 2 (p = 0.006) and group 1 (p = 0.040). There was no significant difference in group 1 (25%) compared with group 2 (27.6%) (p = 1.000).

INTERPRETATION

Burying the suture ends into the scleral tunnel is a simple, safe, and effective technique for avoiding suture exposure in scleral-fixated IOL implantation.

Safety of transscleral-sutured intraocular lenses in children

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term efficacy, safety, and advisability of transscleral-sutured posterior chamber intraocular lenses (IOLs) in pediatric patients with no capsular support and to determine whether a 10-0 polypropylene suture should be used for this purpose.

METHODS

A long-term retrospective interventional case series review of 33 eyes of 26 patients who had a sutured IOL at Duke University Eye Center. Cases were evaluated for the intraoperative surgical risks and the number, type, and severity of the postoperative complications. A survey of pediatric ophthalmologists' experience with suture breakage was performed.

RESULTS

Intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications were minimal and not sight-threatening for the patient. Four patients developed subluxation of the IOL secondary to spontaneous 10-0 polypropylene suture breakage at 3.5, 5, 6, and 8 years after surgery. A survey of pediatric ophthalmologists revealed 13 similar cases (mean, 5 years after surgery).

CONCLUSIONS

Caution should be exercised in the use of 10-0 polypropylene suture to fixate an IOL to the sclera in children, and an alternative material or size (such as 9-0 polypropylene) should be considered.

Secondary Artisan-Verysise intraocular lens implantation for aphakic correction in post-traumatic vitrectomized eye

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Artisan-Verysise intraocular lens (IOL) secondarily implanted for aphakic correction in post-traumatic vitrectomized eyes.

METHODS

Postoperative outcomes of secondary implantation of an iris-supported Artisan IOL in 17 unilateral aphakic patients with previous pars plana vitrectomy secondary to posterior segment trauma were evaluated prospectively. Eyes had vitrectomized in previous 6-60 months. After complete ophthalmologic examination, IOL implantation was performed through a scleral tunnel incision. Patients were followed for visual outcome, endothelial cell density (ECD) and occurrence of complications. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalents (SE), and ECD were compared before and after IOL insertion.

RESULTS

Patients' postoperative mean follow-up were 14.65+/-5.21 months. UCVA improved in all patients. (0.03+/-0.1 preoperatively vs 0.45+/-0.29 postoperatively, P=0.0001). However improvement of BCVA was not significant. Mean postoperative SE was 0.84+/-1.32 D, whereas it was 10.85+/-1.70 D preoperatively (P=0.0001). SE was within +/-2.00 D of emmetropia in 16 eyes (94.1%). Mean endothelial cell loss was 8.1% in first 6 postoperative months.All eyes achieved the desired anatomic results. No intraoperative complications occurred in any of our cases. Complications were transient pigmented precipitates (three cases), choroidal detachment (one case), and transient vitreous haemorrhage (one case).

CONCLUSION

Secondary Artisan IOL implantation is an effective and safe procedure to correct aphakia in vitrectomized eyes without capsular support after trauma. Considering good visual rehabilitation and low rate of complications, this procedure is recommended in vitrectomized eyes.

Comparison of Outcomes of Primary Scleral-Fixated versus Primary Anterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation in Complicated Cataract Surgeries

OBJECTIVE

To compare the visual outcomes and complication profiles of primary scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SFIOL) versus primary anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL) implantation in cataract surgeries complicated by inadequate capsular support.

DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional, comparative cases series.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-six eyes of 36 patients undergoing SFIOL implantation (group 1) and 46 eyes of 46 patients undergoing ACIOL implantation (group 2).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of medical records of a consecutive series of complicated cataract surgeries with primary SFIOL or ACIOL implantation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraoperative and postoperative complications, if any, and postoperative corneal endothelial cell counts. A multiple linear regression model was constructed with postoperative BCVA as the dependent variable and with IOL group (SFIOL vs. ACIOL), preoperative BCVA, surgeon's operative experience, planned operation, and patient's age as independent variables.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight percent (group 1) and 37% (group 2) of patients underwent phacoemulsification, whereas the rest underwent extracapsular cataract extraction. The mean postoperative follow-up was 33.4+/-17.9 months (range, 6-61 months). Postoperative Snellen BCVA of 20/40 or better was achieved in 47.2% (group 1) and 71.7% (group 2) of patients (P = 0.038). Regression analysis showed that primary ACIOL implantation was associated with a significantly better postoperative BCVA of -0.157 on the logarithm of minimum angle of resolution scale (95% confidence interval, -0.306 to -0.007; P = 0.040), compared with primary SFIOL implantation. Although both the number of eyes with complications and the total number of complications were higher in the SFIOL group, the differences in early (P = 0.073) and late (P = 0.377) complications were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that satisfactory results are achieved with primary implantation of current open-loop ACIOLs during cataract surgery complicated by loss of posterior capsule integrity. Eyes with these IOLs fared better than a cohort of eyes undergoing SFIOL implantation in a similar situation, at intermediate-term follow-up. Further prospective clinical trials with longer follow-up may help to evaluate the long-term visual outcomes and complication profiles after primary implantation of these lenses.

Vertical placement of aphakic Artisan intraocular lens in a patient with traumatic localized aniridia

We report a 50-year-old patient who had secondary implantation of an aphakic Artisan (Ophtec) intraocular lens (IOL) that was placed vertically in the anterior chamber. The patient had had a perforating injury to the cornea that required corneal wound repair, lensectomy, and anterior vitrectomy. Because of the localized traumatic aniridia, the Artisan IOL could not be placed horizontally. Three months after surgery, the best corrected visual acuity was 0.9 and there were no complications.

Artisan lens implantation to correct aphakia after vitrectomy for retained nuclear lens fragments

PURPOSE

To report the results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for retained lens fragments with implantation of an Artisan intraocular lens (IOL) (Ophtec) to correct aphakia.

SETTING

University-based referral center.

METHODS

In this retrospective case-controlled study, patients who had had a PPV to remove dislocated lens fragments and implantation of an Artisan IOL for pseudophakic correction during initial cataract surgery or PPV were reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were identified. The preoperative visual acuity was better than 20/200 in 5 patients and the intraocular pressure (IOP) was higher than 21 mm Hg in 8 patients; 3 patients had normal corneas. In 4 patients, an Artisan IOL was implanted during cataract surgery. Postoperative complications included recurrent erosion (1 eye), premacular fibrosis (2 eyes), and a retinal tear (1 eye). Elevation of the IOP occurred in 2 patients and was controllable with medication. Pupillary block developed in 1 patient and persistent cystoid macular edema in another. All but 2 patients gained more than 2 lines of visual acuity postoperatively, and all corneas remained clear during the follow-up (mean 28.9 months; range 2.5 to 69.0 months).

CONCLUSIONS

After the removal of dislocated lens fragments with a PPV, Artisan IOL implantation in aphakic patients without capsule support led to few complications and good visual acuity. Placement of an Artisan IOL requires fewer manipulations than transscleral suture fixation of a posterior chamber IOL.

Comparison of outcomes of primary and secondary implantation of scleral fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens

AIM

To assess and compare the results of primary and secondary implantation of scleral fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens (SFIOL).

METHODS

The medical records of a consecutive series of 55 eyes of 55 patients with SFIOLs implanted during (group 1) or after (group 2) complicated senile cataract surgery were retrospectively reviewed and analysed.

RESULTS

There were 30 and 25 eyes in group 1 and 2, respectively. Follow up was from 6 to 36 months. Mean logMAR postoperative best corrected visual acuity in group 1 was not significantly different (0.50 (SD 0.36)) from that of group 2 (0.36 (0.21)) (p=0.109). Postoperative best corrected visual acuity of 6/12 or better was achieved in 58.6% and 76.0% in group 1 and 2, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant (p=0.177). In group 1, 25 (83.3%) eyes had a total of 55 early complications, while in group 2, 16 (64%) eyes had 26 early complications (p=0.028). The difference in early complication was statistically significant. For late complication after 1 month, 21 (70.0%) eyes had a total of 37 complications in group 1, while 13 eyes (52.0%) had 19 complications in group 2 (p=0.077). The difference in late complication was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Secondary implantation of SFIOL after cataract extraction seems to have a lower early complication rate than primary implantation in complicated cataract extraction although the final visual acuity and late complication rate are not significantly different.