Novel double-flanged technique for managing Marfan syndrome and microspherophakia

Congenital anomalies of lens shape

The crystalline lens is an important structure in the eye that starts to develop as early as the 22nd day of gestation, with further differentiation that continues after the induction. Congenital anomalies of the lens may involve the size, shape, and position of the lens. They may sometimes be associated with anterior segment dysgenesis or persistence of the tunica vasculosa lentis and hyperplastic vitreous and hyaloid system. Manifestations of anomalies of the lens shape are usually seen in early or late childhood however may sometimes be delayed into adulthood based on the level of visual impairment or the presence or absence of any syndromic associations. While lens coloboma has more often been reported in isolation, the more commonly implicated genes include the PAX6 gene, lenticonus in particular anterior is often part of Alport syndrome with extra-ocular manifestations in the kidneys and hearing abnormalities due to mutations in the alpha 5 chain of the Type IV collagen gene. Recognition of these manifestations and obtaining a genetic diagnosis is an important step in the management. The level of visual impairment and amblyopia dictates the outcomes in patients managed either conservatively with optical correction as well as surgically where deemed necessary. This review discusses the various anomalies of the lens shape with its related genetics and the management involved in these conditions.

Four-flanged polypropylene optic piercing technique for scleral fixation of multifocal intraocular lens

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the feasibility of creating flanges using an optic piercing technique with a 6 - 0 polypropylene monofilament for scleral fixation of dislocated one-piece diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs).

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental study and case series.

SUBJECTS

Optical bench test and eyes with IOL dislocation.

METHODS

Two separate 6 - 0 polypropylenes were penetrated twice at the opposite peripheral optic of the TECNIS Synergy IOL (Johnson & Johnson Vision). The root mean square of the modulation transfer function (MTFRMS), at between + 1.00 and - 4.00 D of defocus, was measured in the TECNIS Synergy IOL both with and without optic piercing in the optical bench study. This case series included three eyes from two patients who underwent scleral-fixation of multifocal IOLs using the four-flanged polypropylene optic piercing technique. The postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at 4 m, the uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) at 40 cm, and IOL centration were evaluated.

RESULTS

The optical bench test showed no differences in MTFRMS values measured in the TECNIS Synergy IOL, either with or without optic piercing at all defocuses. In all three case series, the postoperative CDVA at 4 m was 20/20 and UNVA at 40 cm was J1. Postoperative anterior segment photographs showed good centration of IOLs in all cases.

CONCLUSION

The four-flanged polypropylene optic piercing technique for multifocal IOL scleral fixation can provide excellent clinical outcomes and IOL stability after surgery without diminishing the performance of the multifocal IOLs.

Double-flanged knotless technique for iris prosthesis and IOL implantation associated with keratoplasty

INTRODUCTION

Anterior segment reconstruction and penetrating keratoplasty combined with iris prosthesis (IP) and intraocular lens (IOL) scleral fixation require prolonged open-sky surgery and complex suturing. Herein we present a novel double-flanged knotless surgical technique that minimizes the open sky duration and facilitates the fixation of the IP and IOL complex to the sclera.

METHODS

After corneal trephination and removal, a temporary keratoprosthesis is fixated. Three 5.0 polypropylene suture segments are introduced in the anterior chamber transconjunctivally and then externalized through keratoprosthesis. Each suture is threaded through the eyelets of the IP and then flanged. The temporary keratoprosthesis is removed, and the IP and IOL complex is positioned in the sulcus. A donor cornea button is sutured in place and the IP is centred on the optical axis by adjusting the polypropylene sutures. Finally, the suture ends are shortened, flanged, and buried under the conjunctiva.

RESULTS

Surgery was performed on three eyes of three patients. No intraoperative complications occurred, while cystoid macular edema and ocular hypertension occurred in two patients during the follow-up period. The best corrected visual acuity was 6/20, 8/20, and 13/20. So far the IPs remained stable in the three eyes with a maximum follow-up of 18 months.

CONCLUSION

This novel technique of penetrating keratoplasty combined with an intraocular lens (IOL) and iris prosthesis implantation makes it possible to reduce open sky surgery time, avoid complex suturing, and ensure optimal IOL visual axis alignment by adjusting suture tension.

Double-flanged polypropylene technique: 5-year results

PURPOSE

To assess the long-term (5-year) results and complications of the double-flanged polypropylene technique in patients with capsular tension segment fixation, nonfoldable intraocular lens (IOL) scleral fixation, and foldable IOL scleral fixation.

SETTING

Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte and Centro Oftalmológico de Minas Gerais.

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

METHODS

Eyes that underwent treatment using the double-flanged polypropylene technique between September 2016 to September 2021 were included. LogMAR visual acuity was recorded, as well as complications such as long-term polypropylene resistance, conjunctival erosion, conjunctival inflammation, flange exposure, internalization, endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, and cystoid macular edema.

RESULTS

71 eyes of 61 patients were evaluated. The mean follow-up period for these eyes was 28.2 ± 14.3 (min: 4; max: 60; median: 26) months. 173 flanges were performed. 13 cases with sub-Tenon flanges (7.5%) were observed. 5 exposed flanges (2.89%), presented after a mean of 1.8 weeks postoperatively, were observed. 1 patient with large flanges presented with conjunctival inflammation and hyperemia. 2 late internalized flanges (1.1%) and 2 recently internalized flanges (1.1%) were observed. 3 eyes (4.22%) had retinal detachment. Moreover, cystoid macular edema was detected in 3 eyes (4.22%). No cases of endophthalmitis were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The double-flanged technique was proven to be stable when the correct technical procedure was followed. However, complications can be observed, especially with short scleral tunnels and in eyes where the flanges were not buried inside the sclera.

Attaining optimal flange size with 5-0 and 6-0 polypropylene sutures for scleral fixation

A technique for achieving an optimal flange size with 5-0 polypropylene and 6-0 polypropylene used for flanged intrascleral intraocular lens fixation is described. Flange size in polypropylene sutures is dependent on heating length and independent of forceps grip during heating. It was identified that heating of 1 mm created the optimal flange size for a 5-0 polypropylene suture when used for a 27-gauge needle scleral tunnel and for a 6-0 polypropylene suture when used for a 30-gauge needle scleral tunnel. Alternatively, 2 mm heating of a 6-0 polypropylene suture fits well for a 27-gauge needle tunnel. Even gentle forceps grip caused flattening of the polypropylene sutures but did not influence shaping and sizing of the flange.

Intrascleral anchoring knot on the double suture without peritomy for fixation of intraocular lens

A new minimally invasive technique for universal fixation of any posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL), iris prosthesis or capsular tension device (CTD), both for rescuing in case of dislocation and for secondary implantation, is described. It uses intrascleral anchoring knot on the reinforced double 9-0 polypropylene suture without conjunctival opening or scleral dissection. The technique was applied for scleral fixation of the S-shaped monoblock acrylic IOL dislocated into the vitreous cavity in 1 eye, and decentered IOL-CTD-capsular bag complexes in 3 eyes. In none of the cases, complications including knot slippage, suture exposure or hypotony were observed. All patients were followed up for 6 months. The uncorrected distance visual acuity was significantly improved and the IOLs positions remained stable. The described technique might be a simple, effective and safe alternative to flanged scleral fixation approaches.

Flanged iris hook for capsular bag stabilization

A new surgical technique was demonstrated for fixating the capsular bag to the sclera using a capsular tension segment (CTS) and a flanged iris hook. In a patient with a 180-degree zonular dialysis, a capsular tension ring was implanted into the capsular bag, and a CTS was placed into the zonular dialysis area after cataract removal. Then, an iris hook was directed to the anterior chamber through a side port opposite the zonular dialysis area. After the hook tip was placed into the eyelet of the CTS, a 30-gauge injector was used to guide the hook tip out. Tension was adjusted to ensure the capsular centralization, and a flange was created using cautery. Finally, the procedure was completed by embedding the flange into the sclera. This method is simple, minimally invasive, and time-saving by eliminating the scleral suturing, scleral flaps, or large conjunctival dissections.

Cable tie technique for securing scleral fixation suture to intraocular lens

Purpose

To report a new flanged intrascleral fixation technique for subluxated or dislocated intraocular lens (IOL) with c-loop or double c-loop haptics (cable tie fixation method).

Observations

We introduced a cable tie fixation method using 6–0 polypropylene for subluxated multifocal IOL with C-loop or double C-loop haptics. After passing the 6–0 polypropylene monofilament under the optic-haptic junction, the other end of the strand was taken out of the eye after passing it above the optic-haptic junction. A knot was made at one end, and the opposite strand was passed through the knot to form a loop. Both ends of the monofilament were tugged to make the loop fixed to the optic-haptic junction smaller. Both ends of the monofilament were externalized 2.5 mm posterior to the limbus using a 30 G needle. Another 6–0 polypropylene monofilament was tied to the opposite optic-haptic junction and scleral fixation was performed. While checking the IOL centration, the four ends of the 6–0 polypropylene monofilaments were heated with a cautery to form flanges.

Conclusions and Importance

A four-flanged intrascleral fixation technique involving a cable tie-shaped loop using 6–0 polypropylene could provide stable IOL fixation without damage for subluxated or dislocated IOLs with C-loop or double C-loop haptics.

Factors Related to Visual Outcomes after Lens Surgery in Isolated Microspherophakia

Purpose. To evaluate the main factors influencing visual performance after lens subluxation surgery in subjects with isolated MSP. Design. Retrospective study. Methods. In this study, 38 eyes of subjects with isolated MSP (microspherophakia) were included and divided into two groups based on preoperative IOP (intraocular pressure), IOP <21 mmHg, or IOP ≧21 mmHg. Phacoemulsification and scleral-fixated modified capsular tension ring implantation were performed with or without goniosynechialysis according to the IOP. Some ocular biometric parameters, such as corneal curvature, corneal pachymetry, endothelial cell count (ECC), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and axial length, were evaluated. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and IOP of these subjects were measured before the surgery and during <1 month and 3- to 6-month postoperative follow-ups. Results. Compared with the high IOP group, the normal IOP group was significantly younger and had better preoperative BCVA, a higher ECC, deeper ACD, a lower postoperative IOP, and flatter total corneal refractive power K1. The multivariable analysis revealed that preoperative ACD (b = −0.113, t = −2.070, $P=0.047$ ) and preoperative BCVA (b = 0.153, t = 2.562, $P=0.015$ ) were significantly associated with postoperative BCVA at 3–6 months. A preoperative ACD of 1.86 mm was found to be the optimal cut-off point for 3- to 6-month postoperative BCVA of ≧20/63 (≤0.52 logMAR). Conclusions. In addition to the effect of normal IOP, better preoperative BCVA and deeper ACD also correlated with better visual outcomes after lens surgery. Preoperative ACD served as a warning for isolated MSP subjects, especially for the risk of irreversible loss of postoperative vision. This trial is registered with “ChiCTR2000039132.”

Phacoemulsification Combined With Supra-Capsular and Scleral-Fixated Intraocular Lens Implantation in Microspherophakia: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Background

Microspherophakia (MSP) is a rare ocular condition, the lens surgery of which is complicated by both insufficient zonules and undersized capsule.

Methods

This study included MSP eyes managed with phacoemulsification combined with supra-capsular and scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation (SCSF-IOL) and made the comparison with those treated by transscleral-fixated modified capsular tension ring and in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation (MCTR-IOL).

Results

A total of 20 MSP patients underwent SCSF-IOL, and 17 patients received MCTR-IOL. The postoperative best corrected visual acuity was significantly improved in both groups (P &lt; 0.001), but no difference was found between the groups (P = 0.326). The IOL tilt was also comparable (P = 0.216). Prophylactic Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was performed 1 week to 1 month after the SCSF-IOL procedure. In the SCSF-IOL group, two eyes (10.00%) needed repeated laser treatment and one eye (5.00%) had a decentered capsule opening. Posterior capsule opacification was the most common complication (6, 35.29%) in the MCTR group. No IOL dislocation, secondary glaucoma, or retinal detachment was observed during follow-up.

Conclusions

SCSF-IOL is a viable option for managing MSP and is comparable with the MCTR-IOL. Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was necessary to prevent residual capsule complications after the SCSF-IOL procedure.

Scleral fixation of subluxated or dislocated multifocal and multifocal toric intraocular lenses

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility of scleral fixation of subluxated or dislocated multifocal/multifocal toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) to rescue the IOL and restore both near and far vision.

METHOD

A total of 18 eyes of 17 patients who underwent transscleral or intrascleral fixation of subluxated or dislocated multifocal or multifocal toric IOLs at 2.5 mm posterior to the limbus were enrolled. Preoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and postoperative UDVA values were compared in this retrospective cross-sectional study. The postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) at 40 cm, residual sphere, cylinder, spherical equivalent, and IOL centration were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 4.0 ± 5.0 months. The mean preoperative UDVA was 0.73 ± 0.71 logMAR and the postoperative UDVA was 0.05 ± 0.10 logMAR, which was significantly improved relative to the preoperative UDVA. The mean postoperative CDVA was 0.00 ± 0.00 logMAR and the mean postoperative UNVA at 40 cm was 0.05 ± 0.07 logMAR. The mean postoperative residual sphere, cylinder, and spherical equivalent values were - 0.21 ± 0.41 D, - 0.29 ± 0.26 CD, and - 0.33 ± 0.39 D, respectively. Postoperative anterior segment photographs showed good centration of optics in all cases of single-piece foldable multifocal IOLs but a slight inferior decentration in one case of a three-piece multifocal IOL.

CONCLUSION

Scleral fixation of subluxated or dislocated multifocal and multifocal toric IOLs could be one of the treatment options to rescue subluxated or dislocated multifocal IOLs and restore both near and far vision.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery in small pupils using non-aligned iris expansion ring without viscoelastic and corneal suture

PURPOSE

To describe a technique for cataract surgery in eyes with small pupils that combines the use of the femtosecond laser and an iris expansion device, but without the use of corneal sutures and an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) at the time of laser application.

METHODS

A retrospective case series of three eyes with small pupils were operated by the same surgeon without a corneal suture and with removal of anterior chamber OVD prior to laser application.

RESULTS

Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) for 1 eye in a 70 year-old patient was 20/70 preoperatively and 20/20 thirty days postoperatively. CDVA for a second patient was 20/50 and 20/200 in the two eyes, which improved to 20/25 two months postoperatively in both eyes. There were no complications observed and the intraocular lens were well-centered.

CONCLUSION

The use of mechanical pupil expander rings is safe and practical in setting small pupils during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Biomechanical Testing of Flanged Polypropylene Sutures in Scleral Fixation

OBJECTIVE

To optimize the flanged belt-loop technique of scleral fixation through biomechanical testing and report clinical outcomes of resultant modifications.

DESIGN

Experimental study.

METHODS

The force to disinsert flanged polypropylene suture from human cadaveric sclera was assessed using a tensile testing machine and compared to the breaking strengths of 9-0 and 10-0 polypropylene. The effects of modifying suture gauge (5-0, 6-0, 7-0, or 8-0), amount of suture cauterized (0.5 or 1.0 mm), and sclerotomy size (27, 30, 32, 33 gauge) were investigated. Belt-loop intrascleral fixation using 6-0 and 7-0 polypropylene with 30 and 32 gauge needles, respectively, was performed in 4 patients. Main outcome measures were flanged suture disinsertion forces in cadaveric sclera.

RESULTS

The average force to disinsert a flange created by melting 1.0 mm of 5-0, 6-0, 7-0, and 8-0 polypropylene suture from human cadaveric sclera via 27, 30, 32, and 33 gauge needle sclerotomies was 3.0 ± 0.5 N, 2.1 ± 0.3 N, 0.9 ± 0.2 N, and 0.4 ± 0.1 N, respectively. The disinsertion forces for flanges formed by melting 0.5 mm of the same gauges were 72%-79% lower (P < .001). In comparison, the breaking strengths of 9-0 and 10-0 polypropylene were 0.91 ± 0.4 N and 0.52 ± 0.03 N. Belt-loop fixation using 6-0 and 7-0 polypropylene with 30 and 32 gauge sclerotomies demonstrated good outcomes at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The flanged belt-loop technique is a biomechanically sound method of scleral fixation using 1.0 mm flanges of 5-0 to 7-0 polypropylene paired with 27, 30, and 32 gauge sclerotomies. In contrast, 8-0 polypropylene and 0.5 mm flanges of any suture gauge will likely be unstable with this technique.

Correcting optic capture with 2 flanged 6-0 sutures after intrascleral haptic fixation with ViscoNeedling

A 6-0 polypropylene suture was introduced in the eye through an ophthalmic viscosurgical device syringe in a completely closed system. The procedure was used to correct optic capture of the intraocular lens by the pupil after 2 cases of Yamane technique.

Long-term Outcomes and Complications of the New Carlevale Sutureless Scleral Fixation Posterior Chamber IOL

PURPOSE

To evaluate the visual outcomes and possible complications of a new foldable sutureless scleral fixation intraocular lens (SSF-IOL), the Carlevale IOL (Soleko).

METHODS

The SSF-IOL, which has two T-shaped self-blocking plugs on each haptic, was inserted into the posterior chamber. Both haptics was grabbed through two sclerotomies and the two short arms were blocked under the scleral flap, without any suture. A complete clinical evaluation was done preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 54 eyes of 50 consecutive patients were retrospectively analyzed. The mean corrected distance visual acuity was 0.93 ± 0.61 logMAR preoperatively and improved to 0.42 ± 0.34 logMAR at 3 months, 0.42 ± 0.37 logMAR at 6 months, and 0.38 ± 0.38 logMAR at 12 months postoperatively (all P < .0001). The mean corneal endothelial cell density decreased from 1,725.37 ± 528.06 to 1,612.81 ± 522.91 cells/mm² at 12 months postoperatively (P < .0001). The mean IOL tilt value was 3.1 ± 1.1° at 12 months postoperatively. The authors observed 6 cases (11.1%) of intraoperative rupture of the IOL haptics, 4 cases (7.4%) of early hyphema, 4 cases (7.4%) of macular cystoid edema, 2 cases (3.7%) of haptic exposure under the conjunctiva, and 1 (1.8%) late retinal detachment.

CONCLUSIONS

This newly introduced surgical technique provided promising results regarding efficacy and safety. Complications occurred in a few cases and were successfully managed. The Carlevale IOL seems to be a surgical solution combining the advantages of an easy and minimally invasive implantation with a good functional recovery with minimal complications. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(2):126-132.].

Scleral Fixation of Single-Piece Foldable IOL Using Double-Flanged Technique

Purpose

To describe the efficiency and visual results of a new method of transconjunctival intrascleral fixation of single-piece foldable IOL using double-flanged 6/0 prolene suture.

Materials and Methods

Seventeen aphakic eyes of 17 patients without adequate capsular support were involved in this study. Lens was prepared by passing the 6/0 prolene suture in a track in the haptic of single-piece foldable IOL created by 31 g needle. The 6/0 prolene suture was retrieved through a 30 g needle transconjunctivally to outside the globe; then, IOL was implanted and a terminal bulb was created at the outer end of the prolene suture.

Results

All cases were aphakic after complicated phacoemulsification. In 10 cases hydrophilic IOLs were used and in 7 cases hydrophobic IOLs were used. There is clear statistically significant difference between pre-UCVA and post- UCVA. Complications included suture slippage in 2 cases and prolene bulb exposure in one case. There was no significant difference in endothelial cell count and IOP before and after 3 months.

Conclusion

Transconjunctival intrascleral fixation of foldable single-piece IOLs is a safe efficient method for correcting aphakia.

Diagnosis and treatment of microspherophakia

As a rare congenital disease, microspherophakia (MSP) is characterized by small and spherically shaped crystalline lenses. The common complications of MSP include secondary glaucoma and crystalline lens dislocation or subluxation. Patients with MSP often show high lenticular myopia. The special morphological characteristics and complex complications bring challenges to the treatment of patients with MSP. Although there are some studies on MSP, most are case reports. In this article, the morphological characteristics, complications, genetic diagnosis, and treatment of MSP were systematically reviewed, providing valuable insight into the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.