SURGICAL OUTCOME OF SIMULTANEOUS INTRAOCULAR LENS RESCUE AND SUTURELESS INTRASCLERAL TUNNEL FIXATION OF DISLOCATED INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Two-way adjustable double-knots intrascleral fixation and single sclerotomy looping technique: a novel minimal invasive adjustable intraocular lens fixation technique

BACKGROUND

IOL fixation without capsular support presents challenges for surgeons. Although innovative techniques were developed to address subluxated IOLs, adjustable IOL fixation methods are seldom reported. We introduce a novel two-way adjustable double-knots intrascleral fixation combined with single sclerotomy looping technique for fixing intraocular lenses (IOL) or IOL-capsular bags.

METHODS

A bent 30-gauge needle threaded with 8 - 0 polypropylene was introduced into the eye. A gripping forceps assisted the haptic looping. Two overhand knots were made with 8 - 0 polypropylene thread. The knots were incarcerated into a scleral tunnel made by a 30-gauge needle, with two ends of the thread left at each side of the tunnel. The IOL was adjusted to the premium position with adequate tension by pulling either end of the threads. The study included 19 eyes with aphakia, subluxated IOL-capsular bags, or subluxated crystalline lenses. The mean followed up period was 18.9 ± 7.1 months with evaluations of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), intraocular pressure, slit-lamp examination, and swept-source optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment.

RESULTS

UCVA increased from 1.28 ± 0.74 at baseline to 0.44 ± 0.51 (logMAR) at final visit (P < 0.001). All IOLs were fixed well-centered. The mean IOL tilt was 3.5°±1.1°. Postoperative complications included transient IOP elevation (15.8%), hypotony (10.5%), and cystoid edema (5.3%) which resolved within 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

We presented a novel adjustable technique for IOL fixation, which stabilize IOLs by using an intrascleral double-knots structure. This technique minimized surgical manipulations by using a single sclerotomy looping technique without large conjunctival dissection and scleral flap creation. The technique offers a reliable and optimal IOL positioning and improved visual outcomes in patients undergoing scleral fixed IOL implantation.

Clinical and Anatomic Outcomes of 3-Piece Poly(methyl methacrylate) Intraocular Lens Rescue and Needle-Assisted Transconjunctival Intrascleral Lens Fixation

Purpose: To report the clinical and anatomic outcomes of a single-stage rescue and sutureless 30-gauge needle-assisted transconjunctival intrascleral fixation of dislocated 3-piece rigid poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs). Methods: This retrospective noncomparative single-surgeon interventional study comprised eyes that had concurrent 23- or 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy and IOL rescue with sutureless transconjunctival needle-assisted flanged haptic intrascleral fixation. Lamellar scleral dissection for haptic fixation was performed 3 mm posterior to the surgical limbus with 30-gauge needles. Primary endpoints included visual acuity (VA), IOL tilt measured with ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and postoperative complications. Results: The study evaluated 25 eyes of 24 patients. The IOL was successfully refixated in 24 of the 25 eyes. The mean preoperative logMAR VA of 1.21 ± 0.79 SD (median 1.3; Snellen equivalent 20/400) improved to 0.28 ± 0.35 (median 0.14; Snellen equivalent 20/30) postoperatively (P < .0001). The mean IOL tilt measured by UBM (n = 7) was 3.79 ± 3.60 degrees. The mean postoperative follow-up was 348 ± 284 days (range, 7-979 days). Postoperative complications included self-clearing vitreous hemorrhage (n = 9), retinal detachment (RD) (n = 1), cystoid macular edema (n = 3), and corneal edema (n = 3). Three eyes (13%) required additional surgery, 1 for RD and 2 for delayed haptic slippage and secondary IOL tilt causing irregular astigmatism. Conclusions: Intrascleral needle-assisted fixation of dislocated or mobile 3-piece PMMA IOLs is an effective, safe method to restore VA.

Rescuing an Akreos 4-Point Haptic Intraocular Lens: A Novel Surgical Technique

PURPOSE

To present a surgical technique that allows rescue (repositioning) of a dislocated Akreos AO model intraocular lens using scleral sutures.

METHODS

The surgical technique is described with supplemental video.

RESULTS

The technique was used in 4 eyes of 3 patients with 2 to 18 months of follow-up information. The intraocular lens was well positioned, and the visual acuity (as limited by other disease) was good, without adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Scleral suture techniques for repositioning of the Akreos AO intraocular lens offer a suitable alternative to intraocular lens exchange.

Haptic Erosion Following Sutureless Scleral-fixated Intraocular Lens Placement

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical features and visual outcomes of eyes with conjunctival haptic erosion after sutureless intrascleral (SIS) fixated intraocular lens (IOL) placement.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SUBJECTS

Patients experiencing haptic erosion after SIS fixation between January 1, 2013, and March 1, 2022.

METHODS

A multicenter, multisurgeon, retrospective review.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical features, visual outcomes, and treatment options following haptic erosions after SIS fixation.

RESULTS

Nineteen eyes with haptic erosion were identified. The mean age at initial SIS fixation was 64 ± 12 years (range, 38-81 years). There were 5 (26%) eyes with a history of conjunctiva involving ocular surgery, including scleral buckle surgery and tube shunt surgery. Trocar-assisted fixation was performed in 15 (79%) eyes, whereas needle fixation was used in 4 (21%) eyes. Eighteen (95%) sets of haptics were flanged with a low temperature cautery. Seventeen (90%) sets of haptics were externalized superiorly and inferiorly, and 2 (10%) sets of haptics were externalized nasally and temporally. Haptics were covered by conjunctiva in 14 (74%) eyes and by scleral flap in 5 (26%) eyes. All patients experienced a single haptic erosion, of which 8 (43%) were located superiorly, 9 (47%) inferiorly, and 2 (10%) temporally. The mean interval between the initial SIS fixation and haptic erosion was 278 ± 437 days. After correction of the erosion, 18 (95%) eyes had a stable IOL at the last follow-up, with no recurrence of haptic erosion. In this series, there were no cases of endophthalmitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Haptic erosion is a notable complication after SIS fixated IOL surgery but may be repaired with favorable visual outcomes. Careful evaluation of the conjunctiva should be considered before the surgery.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

SIMPLE REFIXATION OF A DISLOCATED HAPTIC OF FLANGED INTRAOCULAR LENS USING A 25-GAUGE NEEDLE

PURPOSE

To report the development of a novel, simple-to-use technique for the salvage of a haptic of dislocated flanged intraocular lens during a retinal detachment surgery.

METHODS

A 25-gauge regular-wall needle was prepared and threaded by the dislocated flanged haptic before the flanged haptic was heated and enlarged by low-temperature cautery.

RESULTS

The dislocated flanged haptic was probably the result of too small of a diameter of the previously flanged haptic and was triggered by scleral indentation. The rescue technique required only a 25-gauge regular-wall needle to conduct the conventional procedure of flanged haptic intraocular lens fixation before being enlarged by low-temperature cautery. The intraocular lens remained centered and stable at a 3-month postoperative follow-up examination.

CONCLUSION

The application of a 25-gauge needle in the salvage of a haptic of dislocated flanged intraocular lens is simple and effective without the need for trimming the flanged tip.

Modified Yamane technique with a 26-gauge needle: single corneal incision and simplified haptic insertion

A modified Yamane technique with a 26-gauge needle for aphakia correction is described. Single corneal or corneoscleral incision is set at 12 o'clock. The 26-gauge needles are used to make 2 angled incisions parallel to the limbus to fix the haptics of a 3-piece intraocular lens. The modifications provide an easier and safer way of haptic insertion into the needle tip and decreases the possibility of bending or breaking the haptic.

A comparative study of knotless versus knotted transscleral suture-fixated intraocular lens implantation

Purpose:

To compare functional outcomes and complication rates of two scleral fixated intraocular lens implantation (SFIOL) techniques.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, there were 30 eyes of 30 patients who underwent SFIOL implantation for dislocation of the IOL or crystalline lens. Group 1 (n = 17) comprised patients who received scleral-fixated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) IOL implantation through a self-sealing sclerocorneal tunnel with the suture burial technique, and group 2 (n = 13) comprised patients who received scleral-fixated foldable acrylic IOL implantation with a cartridge using a self-sealing clear corneal incision (CCI) with knotless Z-suture technique between 2014 and 2019. Surgical outcomes concerning safety, efficiency, visual function, induced astigmatism with vector analysis, and complications were compared.

Results:

The indications were dislocated crystalline lens (n = 5/30), dislocated IOL (n = 17/30), and dropped nucleus (n = 8/30). The mean follow-up time was 50.65 ± 14.02 months in group 1 and 15.69 ± 3.71 months in group 2 (P < 0.001). The postoperative visual acuity improvement was statistically significant in both groups (P < 0.001). Surgically induced astigmatism was significantly higher in group 1 (2.68 ± 1.04 D) compared with group 2 (1.6 ± 1.0 D) at month 12 (P = 0.001). Postoperative complications included suture exposure (n = 1 in group 1) and cystoid macular edema (n = 1 in group 1; n = 1 in group 2).

Conclusion:

Both SFIOL techniques are safe and effective in the absence of adequate capsular support. However, the knotless Z-suture technique appears to be superior to the suture burial technique with regard to suture exposure-related complications. In addition, self-sealing CCI appears to be superior to self-sealing sclerocorneal tunnel with regard to surgically induced astigmatism.

Double-Needle Yamane Technique Using Flanged Haptics in Ocular Trauma-A Retrospective Survey of Visual Outcomes and Safety

To evaluate visual outcomes and safety of the double-needle technique using flanged haptics (Yamane technique) in patients with aphakia caused by ocular trauma at a trauma referral center. Retrospective: Consecutive interventional case series of 30 patients who underwent the Yamane technique due to posttraumatic aphakia. The double-needle technique using flanged haptics was combined with anterior vitrectomy (group A) in 14 patients, and with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) (group B) due to retinal detachment, nucleus dislocation into the vitreous cavity, or intraocular lens (IOL) displacement in 16 patients. No intraoperative complications were noted. There was significant improvement in the visual acuity in both groups at the second postoperative visit. However, the visual acuity was significantly worse in the group treated with the Yamane technique combined with PPV. Silicone oil tamponade in PPV group was associated with worse visual acuity, whereas post lensectomy status was associated with poor visual function result in the anterior vitrectomy group. There was one case of slight IOL decentration and one retinal detachment during the postoperative follow-up period in the group with PPV. In this case series, the Yamane technique applied in traumatized eyes was found to be an efficacious and safe procedure. Combining the Yamane technique with PPV due to posterior segment ocular trauma was associated with worse functional results in the follow-up at three months. Further studies with longer follow-up evaluations are required to verify long-term complications.

Long-term surgical outcomes of primary retropupillary iris claw intraocular lens implantation for the treatment of intraocular lens dislocation

We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of primary retropupillary iris claw intraocular lens (R-IOL) implantation in patients with complete intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation. In this single-center retrospective case series, we reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent R-IOL implantation surgery with pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of IOL dislocation between September 2014 and July 2019. The primary outcome was change in visual acuity (VA) up to 24 months postoperatively. The secondary outcomes included changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), refractive errors, and endothelial cell count (ECC) over the same period. Data of 103 eyes (98 patients) were analyzed. The mean uncorrected VA was significantly improved at one month postoperatively (− 0.69 logMAR, P < 0.001), compared to the preoperative value. IOP (− 2.3 mmHg, P = 0.008) and ECC (− 333.4 cells/mm², P = 0.027) significantly decreased one month post-surgery and remained stable thereafter. Postoperative mean spherical equivalents were similar to the prediction error throughout the follow-up period. IOP elevation (n = 8, 7.8%), cystoid macular edema (n = 4, 3.9%), and dislocation of the R-IOL (n = 10, 9.7%) were managed successfully. Overall, primary R-IOL implantation with pars plana vitrectomy is effective and safe for correcting IOL dislocation due to various causes.

The forceps-needle: Combining needle and grasping functions in a single instrument

A new forceps-needle to facilitate intrascleral haptic fixation surgery is described. In an initial series of 10 cases, the forceps-needle was used to grasp and externalize the haptic of a 3-piece intraocular lens (IOL) for transscleral fixation. The site of perforation was marked at 180 degrees 2.0 mm away from the limbus. Then, the IOL with polypropylene haptics was folded and implanted partially into the anterior chamber. A transconjunctival, scleral tunnel of about 2.0 mm length parallel to the limbus was prepared with the forceps-needle on 1 side, with the second hand holding the leading haptic through a side-port incision. The end of the first haptic was grasped and externalized after which the end of the haptic was flanged. Subsequently, a second scleral tunnel was prepared with the forceps-needle, and the second haptic was externalized and flanged. All procedures could be performed without any intraoperative complication.

Surgical Outcome of Refixation versus Exchange of Dislocated Intraocular Lens: A Retrospective Cohort Study

We compared the surgical outcomes and complications of refixation vs. exchange of dislocated intraocular lenses (IOLs) in patients who underwent transscleral suture fixation combined with pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of IOL dislocation. A total of 83 eyes (n = 83 patients) with postoperative follow-up of ≥6 months were evaluated: 40 received refixation of dislocated IOL (refixation group) while 43 received IOL exchange (exchange group) treatment. Treatment outcomes, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent, corneal cylinder, intraocular pressure (IOP), central macular thickness (CMT), and corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), and postoperative complications were retrospectively reviewed. BCVA improvement at 6 months after surgery was comparable between the groups. Postoperative decrease in corneal ECD was significantly greater in the exchange group than in the refixation group, but no significant differences were found in spherical equivalent, corneal cylinder, IOP, or CMT changes. The exchange group experienced significantly more frequent postoperative vitreoretinal complications, such as retinal detachment, choroidal effusion, cystoid macular edema, and secondary epiretinal membrane, than the refixation group. Without any reason to extract the dislocated IOL, reuse of the dislocated IOL would be a better surgical option for transscleral suture fixation to protect corneal endothelial cells and prevent postoperative vitreoretinal complications.

Management of subluxed and dislocated intraocular lenses in patients with uveitis: a practical approach

PURPOSE

To describe practical approaches to the management of subluxed or dislocated intraocular lenses (IOL) in patients with uveitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective case series from a specialist uveitis clinic.

RESULTS

Fifteen IOLs in 13 patients were subluxed inferiorly (12) or dislocated into anterior chamber (2) or vitreous (1) at a mean delay of 12 years after cataract surgery. Six eyes required vitrectomy and seven IOL explantation. A dislocated IOL was repositioned by scleral fixation in one, and a new IOL was implanted in three (two scleral-sutured, one iris-claw). Eight were observed without surgery and 7 were left functionally aphakic (4 corrected with contact lens). The mean final best-corrected visual acuity was 0.6 LogMAR.

CONCLUSIONS

There are several management choices for IOL dislocation which should take into account the degree of uveitis, patient age and expectations. We present a pragmatic approach: surgery can often be avoided in this high-risk group.

Scleral fixated intraocular lens by a modified technique: Methods and results

PURPOSE

A certain number of conditions can result in compromised anterior and/or posterior capsular integrity. Several surgical options have been employed for repositioning dislocated intraocular lenses in the absence of adequate capsular support. The purpose of this study is to assess the functional outcomes and complication profile of a modified surgical technique for replacing dislocated intraocular lenses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients who had undergone the modified surgical procedure for dislocated intraocular lenses between 2012 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed for visual outcomes and complications. Patient demographic characteristics, pre- and postoperative visual acuity, surgical indications, refractive outcomes, intraocular pressure and postoperative complications were recorded and analysed at baseline and at six months, which was the conclusion of the study. We also present our modified surgical technique.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight eyes of sixty-eight patients (74% male) were included. Mean age at surgery was 58 years (range 4-89 years). Mean best-corrected visual acuity increased significantly from 0.80 (SD±0.2) LogMar to 0.40 (SD±0.1) LogMar (P<0.005). Median astigmatic error at the conclusion of follow-up remained stable. There were no intraoperative complications and a low postoperative complication rate (10.2%), mainly related to the surgical context.

CONCLUSION

Sutureless intrascleral fixation of dislocated intraocular lenses is an option in case of deficient capsular support. Visual outcomes and complication rates are comparable to other case series.

Comparisons of Visual and Surgical Outcomes after Reuse or Replacement of Dislocated in-the-Bag Intraocular Lens

Purpose

To compare the visual and surgical outcomes after a reuse or a replacement of a dislocated in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL).

Methods

This was a retrospective, nonrandomized case series at a single ophthalmological institution. Cases with an in-the-bag dislocation of an IOL were treated by pars plana vitrectomy and the reuse or the replacement of the IOL. The lens was held by intrascleral fixation of the haptics of the IOL under both conditions. The same dislocated IOL was reused in 6 eyes (group A) or it was replaced with another IOL in the other 9 eyes (group B). The pre- and postoperative parameters analyzed included the visual acuity, refractive error, corneal endothelial cell density, and intraocular pressure (IOP).

Results

There was no significant difference between the two groups in the postoperative visual acuity (P = 0.388), refractive error (P = 0.955), IOP (P = 0.529), and endothelial cell loss (P = 0.940). A breakage or a tilting of the IOL was observed and required replacement in three eyes in the reuse group (P = 0.044).

Conclusions

Half of the cases with reused in-the-bag dislocated IOL had a breakage or a tilting of the IOL. The replacement of the in-the-bag dislocated IOL is better than the reuse of the IOL with intrascleral haptics fixation.

High-vacuum clothesline technique for elevation and repositioning of posteriorly dislocated intraocular lens

We describe a technique to simplify the retrieval process of an intraocular lens (IOL) that has fallen into the posterior segment of the eye. A high-vacuum level setting is used to achieve fixation of the IOL to the vitrectomy tip, permitting the IOL to be elevated into the anterior segment. The clothesline technique is then used to secure the IOL partially within the anterior chamber for subsequent suture fixation or explantation. This technique simplifies the elevation, repositioning, and/or explantation of a posteriorly dislocated IOL and eliminates the need to perform more complex and potentially traumatic maneuvers.

Surgical refixation of posteriorly dislocated intraocular lens with scleral-tuck technique

Purpose:

To report the outcomes of surgical refixation of posteriorly dislocated intraocular lens (IOL) using scleral-tuck method, and to compare the “scleral groove” and the “scleral flap” techniques used.

Study Design:

Single-center, retrospective, interventional, comparative study.

Methods:

Medical records of patients undergoing closed globe scleral refixation of posteriorly dislocated posterior chamber IOL (PCIOLs) by scleral-tuck method using two different techniques (”scleral groove” vs. “scleral flap” technique) were reviewed. This approach involved retrieving the dislocated PCIOL, externalizing the haptics through 2 sclerotomies created in paralimbal lamellar scleral grooves, or under lamellar scleral flaps and tucking the haptics into limbus-parallel scleral tunnels. No specific haptic architecture, haptic suturing, or large incisions were needed. Main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), final mean refractive error, and intra- and post-operative complications.

Results:

Thirteen eyes of 13 patients (scleral groove, n = 6; scleral flap, n = 7 eyes) with a mean follow-up of 20.6 months were included. BCVA in all eyes was maintained or improved postoperatively, with three eyes (23%) showing ≥2 line improvement. Median astigmatic error at 6-week follow-up was −1.25 D cylinder (range: −0.5 D–−2.0 D) which remained stable till final follow-up. All IOLs remained stable and well centered. None of the eyes had a recurrent dislocation, retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, or glaucoma. Both techniques were comparable in terms of postoperative BCVA, and refraction.

Conclusion:

Intrascleral haptic fixation by scleral-tuck method is reliable and effective for secure IOL refixation of posteriorly dislocated IOLs, providing good IOL centration and stability with minimal surgically-induced astigmatism. Both techniques (scleral groove and scleral flap) appear to have similar outcomes in the short term.

Scleral-Fixated Intraocular Lenses: Past and Present

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) can have inadequate support for placement in the capsular bag as a result of ocular trauma, metabolic or inherited conditions such as Marfan's syndrome or pseudoexfoliation, or complicated cataract surgery. Surgical options for patients with inadequate capsular support include alternative placement in the anterior chamber (ACIOLs), fixation to the iris, or fixation to the sclera. The surgical techniques for each of these approaches have improved considerably over the last several decades resulting in improved visual and ocular outcomes. If no capsular or iris support exists, the surgeon can fixate an IOL to the sclera or the patient can remain aphakic. IOLs can be fixated to the sclera using sutures or by tunneling the IOL haptics into the sclera without sutures. This review summarizes the pre-operative considerations, surgical techniques, outcomes, and unique complications associated with implantation of scleral-fixated IOLs.

Management of dislocated intraocular lenses in eyes with insufficient capsular support

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the different techniques for management of dislocated intraocular lenses in eyes with insufficient capsular support with a focus on recent studies and techniques reported in the literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

Visual outcomes generally improve regardless of intraocular lens selection and surgical techniques. New techniques include sutureless scleral fixation with the use of posterior segment tools and use of hybrid instrumentation for 25-/27-gauge vitrectomy.

SUMMARY

IOL selection and surgical technique should be tailored to each patient based on the preexisting disorder that led to the dislocation. The decision ultimately depends on surgeon comfort and experience with the procedure, and the presenting pathology.