Pars plana vitrectomy with transscleral fixation of posterior chamber lens in the treatment of post-traumatic lens dislocation

Visual Outcomes of Traumatic Lens Dislocations and Subluxations Managed by Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Lensectomy

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the visual outcome of lens dislocation and subluxation managed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and lensectomy in patients with open (OGIs) or closed globe injuries (CGIs).

METHODS

Medical records of 70 consecutive patients treated by PPV and lensectomy over a period of 11 years (1 January 2010-31 December 2020) were retrospectively reviewed. We collected demographic data, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using a Snellen Chart pre- and postoperatively, associated ocular injuries and treatment strategy. Visual outcome was evaluated according to the final BCVA which was defined as poor <0.1 or good ≥0.1.

RESULTS

The mean age was 57.9 ± 17.6 years. CGIs were present in 49 (70.0%) cases and open OGIs in 21 (30.0%) cases. The dislocation mechanism was zonular lysis in 59 cases (84.3%) and capsular rupture in 11 cases (15.7%). The intraocular lens implant (IOL) was sutured to the sclera in 51 (72.9%) cases or positioned in the capsular bag or in the sulcus in 3 (4.3%) cases and 1 (1.4%) case, respectively, whereas 15 (21.4%) patients remained aphakic. A good BCVA ≥ 0.1 was achieved in 45.71% of the eyes. The presence of retinal detachment (RD) (p = 0.014), iridodonesis (p = 0.011) and initial BCVA (p = 0.000) achieved statistical significance in predicting visual outcome. After treatment, 45.71% of patients achieved a final BCVA ≥ 0.1.

CONCLUSION

RD, iridodonesis and initial BCVA were risk factors for poor visual outcome in our series.

Pars plana vitrectomy for posteriorly dislocated intraocular lenses: risk factors and surgical approach

PURPOSE

To present updated risk factors, anatomical and visual outcomes and a surgical approach to posteriorly dislocated intraocular lenses (IOL).

METHODS

A retrospective case series review of patients presenting with posteriorly dislocated IOL to the vitreous was performed. All cases were managed surgically with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) followed by IOL repositioning and refixation or IOL exchange. Clinical characteristics, risk factors for IOL dislocation, visual outcomes and intraoperative and postoperative complications were investigated.

RESULTS

Forty patients with posteriorly dislocated IOL underwent 3-port PPV and lens retrieval at an average of 6.5 years after cataract surgery. The main causes of IOL dislocation were previous PPV, myopia, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, ocular trauma and recurrent intravitreal injections. The existing IOL was repositioned and secured in 90% of the cases. Visual acuity improved in 34 patients, maintained in 5 and deteriorated in 1. All IOLs were central and stable at final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Posterior intraocular lens dislocation is becoming more prevalent. The main underlying causes found in this series were previous vitrectomy, myopia and recurrent intra-vitreal substance injections. Visual acuity improved in most cases after lens repositioning; however visual outcome is often limited due to associated ocular co-morbidities despite adequate lens position. Despite complete lack of zonular support, a posteriorly dislocated IOL can often be preserved by repositioning and fixation of the lens in the posterior chamber. Pathologies primarily associated with this type of lens malposition include history of vitrectomy, high myopia and multiple intravitreal substance injections.

Novel use of an adjustable single 8-0 polypropylene suture of scleral fixation without conjunctival dissection

Background

This report serves to describe the use of a novel adjustable single 8–0 polypropylene suture for scleral fixation without conjunctival dissection, and to describe related clinical outcomes associated with this approach.

Methods

In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 28 eyes from 27 patients that underwent scleral fixation of the intraocular lens (IOL) without conjunctival dissection using an adjustable single 8–0 polypropylene suture at the Beijing Tongren Eye Center between April 2018 and April 2019. For this surgical approach, a 23-gauge infusion cannula was set, after which two Hoffmann scleral pockets were created. Next, 8–0 polypropylene sutures were inserted into the eye guided by 10–0 polypropylene sutures of a long straight needle. The 8–0 suture was then used to fix the haptic IOs. Finally, these 8–0 polypropylene sutures were removed from the scleral pockets, and knots were tightened with the adjustable single suture. Primary outcomes included visual acuity and postoperative complication incidence.

Results

For this study, outcomes for 28 eyes from 27 patients (9 female, 18 male) were assessed. Patients had a mean age of 54 ± 15.11 years-old and were followed for an average of 10.18 ± 2.76 months postoperatively. Uncorrected visual acuity in these patients improved significantly from a preoperative value of 1.269 ± 0.464 logMAR to a 3-month postoperative value of 0.409 ± 0.413 logMAR (p = 0.000). The majority of postoperative complications in these patients were temporary and self-limiting, including corneal edema (35.71%), hypotony (14.29%), elevated intraocular pressure (28.58%), and mild hyphema (7.14%). No evidence of exposure or erosion of the trimmed suture end was detected in any patients. An ultrasound biomicroscope was able to readily detect the IOL and all sutures, and IOLs were found to be well-centered without any dislocation, tilting, or subluxation upon follow-up.

Conclusions

An adjustable single 8–0 polypropylene suture can reliably and effectively be used for scleral fixation without conjunctival dissection for the treatment of patients with aphakia or inadequate posterior capsule support. The novel procedure described herein may therefore be an effective means of minimizing the risk of suture-related complications in patients undergoing scleral-fixated IOL implantation.

Trial registration

Retrospective case series study, not applicable. NCT04476264.