LONG-TERM STABILITY AND VISUAL OUTCOMES OF A SINGLE-PIECE, FOLDABLE, ACRYLIC INTRAOCULAR LENS FOR SCLERAL FIXATION

Refining delivery and positioning: A modified approach to FIL SSF intraocular lens implantation using the "full reverse" technique

PURPOSE

To present a modified surgical technique for implantation of the sutureless scleral-fixated hydrophilic intraocular lens (FIL SSF).

METHODS

Single surgeon retrospective case series and review of surgical videos with step-by-step technique analysis. Uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity (UCVA and BCVA), refractive error (spherical equivalent), full clinical examination with intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, endothelial cell density on corneal specular microscopy and macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) were recorded at baseline, 1, 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

The FIL SSF IOLs were successfully implanted using the so-called "full reverse" technique, having the lens loaded in the injector in an upside-down fashion, as opposed to IOL technical specifications. In all cases, the FIL SSF IOL was properly placed in the ciliary sulcus, well-centered and without signs of tilt. Follow up figures at 2 months are consistent with published data, confirming the potential benefits of the new implantation technique.

CONCLUSION

In our preliminary experience, the "full reverse" technique of the FIL SSF IOL has proven effective in preventing incorrect IOL orientation in 100% of cases. However, larger prospective controlled studies and longer follow up are required to either support or disprove our results.

Comparison of three different intraocular lens implantation techniques in the absence of capsular support: sutured scleral, haptic flanged intrascleral, and four flanged intrascleral fixations

INTRODUCTION

After lens extraction, if the capsular bag insufficiency occurs, there are different IOL implantation techniques. IOL implantation in the posterior chamber is safer in eyes with low endothelial cell count, peripheral anterior synechiae, shallow anterior chamber, and glaucoma. Alternative approaches for scleral fixation techniques, both with and without sutures, continue to undergo development. In this study, we aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of the sutured scleral fixation (SSF), haptic flanged intrascleral fixation (HFISF) and four flanged intrascleral fixation (FFISF) IOL implantation techniques in eyes with the absence of capsular support.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A hundred and thirty-seven aphakic eyes with the absence of capsular support were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1-SSF, group 2-HFISF (Yamane technique), and group 3-FFISF. Surgical time in minutes, preoperative and postoperative parameters such as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal astigmatism, lenticular astigmatism, intraocular pressure (IOP), specular microscopy, central macular thickness (CMT) were recorded. Pseudophacodonesis was assessed at 6 months postoperatively using a slit lamp, and early and late complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 137 eyes, 69 eyes were included in the SSF group, 41 eyes in the HFISF group, and 27 eyes in the FFISF group. No statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups in terms of age, gender, preoperative mean BCVA, corneal astigmatism, IOP, endothelial cell density, and CMT. It was observed that the mean BCVA significantly improved compared to the preoperative visual acuity in all three groups. Postoperative lenticular astigmatism, pseudophacodonesis score, percentage of the endothelial cell loss were found to be higher in FFISF groups. The surgical time was found to be shorter in the HFISF group. IOL decentration was observed in 1.44% of the SSF group and 7.40% of the FFISF group. Cystoid macular edema was observed in 5.79% of the SSF group, 4.87% of the HFISF group, and 7.40% of the FFISF group. Retinal detachment was observed in 1.44% of the SSF group and 7.31% of the HFISF group.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimal technique for treating aphakia without capsular support remains uncertain. Surgeons are tasked with a complex decision, aiming for both excellent vision and minimal risk. This decision is based on their expertise, the distinctive ocular condition of the patient, and the availability of essential operating room equipment. In this study, the following findings were observed: in the HFISF technique, the average surgical time was found to be shorter, the SSF technique demonstrated greater stability in terms of astigmatism and pseudophacodonesis and the FFISF technique was recognized for its relatively straightforward application method. It is important to note that the three IOL implantation techniques yielded comparable outcomes in terms of postoperative BCVA, as well as early and late complications.

Trans-Scleral Plugs Fixated FIL SSF IOL: A Review of the Literature and Comparison with Other Secondary IOL Implants

Purpose. To revise the current literature on FIL SSF (Carlevale) intraocular lens, previously known as Carlevale lens, and to compare their outcomes with those from other secondary IOL implants. Methods. We performed a peer review of the literature regarding FIL SSF IOLs until April 2021 and analyzed the results only of articles with a minimum of 25 cases and a follow-up of at least 6 months. The searches yielded 36 citations, 11 of which were abstracts of meeting presentations that were not included in the analysis because of their limited data. The authors reviewed 25 abstracts and selected six articles of possible clinical relevance to review in full text. Of these, four were considered to be sufficiently clinically relevant. Particularly, we extrapolated data regarding the pre- and postoperative best corrected visual acuities (BCVA) and the complications related to the procedure. The complication rates were then compared with those from a recently published Ophthalmic Technology Assessment by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) on secondary IOL implants. Results. Four studies with a total of 333 cases were included for results analysis. The BCVA improved in all cases after surgery, as expected. Cystoid macular edema (CME) and increased intraocular pressure were the most common complications, with an incidence of up to 7.4% and 16.5%, respectively. Other IOL types from the AAO report included anterior chamber IOLs, iris fixation IOLs, sutured iris fixation IOLs, sutured scleral fixation IOLs, and sutureless scleral fixation IOLs. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of postoperative CME (p = 0.20), and vitreous hemorrhage (p = 0.89) between other secondary implants and the FIL SSF IOL, whereas the rate of retinal detachment was significantly less with FIL SSF IOLs (p = 0.04). Conclusion. The results of our study suggest the implantation of FIL SSF IOLs is an effective and safe surgical strategy in cases where there is a lack of capsular support. In fact, their outcomes seem to be comparable to those obtained with the other available secondary IOL implants. According to published literature, the FIL SSF (Carlevale) IOL provides favorable functional results with a low rate of postoperative complications.

One-Year Outcomes of Modified Technique for Scleral Fixation of a Three-Piece Intraocular Lens Without Conjunctival Opening

Purpose

This study aimed to present the 1-year follow-up of a modified technique for scleral fixation of three-piece intraocular lens (IOLs) without conjunctival incision.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective chart review of a consecutive series of 10 eyes of nine patients who underwent scleral IOL fixation using the modified technique was performed. Data were collected 1 year after surgery for all patients.

Results

The range of follow-up time was between 1 year and 31 months. At the last follow-up point, the IOL was well-positioned and the visual acuity was good (as limited by primary diseases). Short-term complications included pupillary IOL capture (n = 1) and decreased intraocular pressure (n = 1), and no long-term complications were observed.

Conclusion

Outcome data support this technique as a viable option for the management of secondary IOL fixation with flexible usage of more designs of IOLs.

Scleral Fixation of a Hydrophobic Acrylic Intraocular Lens with Eyelets Using 8-0 Polypropylene Suture

Purpose

To report clinical outcomes of a scleral fixation technique of a hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens with eyelets using 8-0 polypropylene suture.

Methods

Nine eyes of nine patients who underwent combined pars plana vitrectomy and sclera fixation of an intraocular lens using this technique were analyzed.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 7.11 months (range, 6–12 months), and there was a significant visual improvement at 6 months after surgery. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of the resolution changed from 0.54 at baseline to 0.29 at postoperative 6 months (p = 0.016). The mean postoperative spherical equivalent at 6 months was −0.90 ± 0.90 diopters, and the mean predictive error was −0.49 ± 0.62 diopters.

Conclusions

Postoperative visual and refractive outcomes were favorable, and the positions of intraocular lenses were well centered in all cases. This technique could be a useful alternative for surgeons without easy access to Gore-Tex suture.

Scleral-fixated intraocular lens implants-evolution of surgical techniques and future developments

Varied options are available for the implantation of secondary intraocular lens implants in the absence of zonular or capsular support. Loss of the capsule can occur in the context of complicated cataract surgery, trauma or inherited conditions such as Marfan syndrome or pseudoexfoliation. Approaches to overcome this include optical measures such as the use of spectacles or contact lenses, and surgical therapy incorporating the use of anterior chamber, iris-fixated or scleral-fixated lenses. Surgical techniques to implant scleral-fixated lenses have undergone various modifications, since the first publication of sutured intrascleral fixation described in the 1980s. However, despite the advances in surgical techniques, studies are limited either by their retrospective nature, small sample size and most importantly small duration of follow-up. This comprehensive review aims to amalgamate the evolution of various surgical techniques with regards to intrascleral lens fixation and suggests areas for future development.

Outcomes of Re-fixation after the First Intraocular Lens Scleral Fixation

Purpose: To investigate the outcomes of re-fixation after the first intraocular lens (IOL) scleral fixation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who underwent second IOL scleral fixation and vitrectomy for dislocation of IOL after the first IOL scleral fixation. We compared the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spherical equivalent (SE) after 1 month of the first and second surgery, and noted the complications. Results: We included 21 eyes that underwent second IOL scleral fixation: 13 eyes (61.9%) with IOL exchange and eight (38.1%) with one-haptic fixation. Mean BCVAs (LogMAR) were 0.17 ± 0.25 and 0.11 ± 0.23 after the first and second surgery, respectively (<i>p</i> = 0.073); mean SEs were -0.94 ± 1.69 and -0.58 ± 1.46 diopters after the first and second surgery, respectively (<i>p</i> = 0.076). Postoperative complications occurred in eight eyes (38.1%), including temporarily increased intraocular pressure and suture knots exposure. However, none of the complications required re-operation. Conclusions: The outcomes of primary and secondary IOL fixation were similar, and there were no serious complications of the second surgery.

Outcomes and Complications of Sutured Scleral-Fixated Foldable Intraocular Lens Implantation: A Retrospective Study of 5-Year Follow-Up

Purpose

To evaluate long-term outcomes and complications of sutured scleral-fixated foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Patients who underwent sutured scleral-fixated foldable IOL implantation using 10-0 polypropylene suture were followed up for at least 5 years at one Chinese tertiary hospital and two primary hospitals.

Results

52 eyes among 48 patients (35 male and 13 female) were evaluated. The mean age (years) was 50.27 ± 20.08 (range: 6 to 81). The mean postoperative follow-up time (months) was 79.70 ± 18.84 (range: 60 to 121). The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 0.83 ± 0.69 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at baseline to 0.50 ± 0.45 logMAR at the last follow-up visit. There was improved or unchanged BCVA in 44 eyes (84.62%) and reduced BCVA in 8 eyes (15.38%). Mild intraoperative intravitreal hemorrhage was observed in 3 eyes (5.77%). Early postoperative complications included transient elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in 5 eyes (9.62%) and hypotony in 1 eye (1.92%). Secondary epimacular membrane occurred in 5 eyes (9.62%) and retinal detachment (RD; 3 years postsurgery), subconjunctival suture knot exposure (5 years postsurgery), and persistent elevated IOP (in a GRAVES patient) occurred in 1 eye (1.92%) each. No suture erosion or breakage nor IOL dislocation was observed. No visually threatening IOL tilt or decentration was reported in any patient.

Conclusion

Sutured scleral-fixated foldable IOL implantation demonstrated satisfactory long-term outcomes and rare suture-related complications. This technology was safe and did not require complicated equipment and is of considerable interest in the setting of aphakia without adequate capsule support.

Scleral fixation of hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses using a suture burial technique

The procedure involved an ab-externo scleral fixation technique using a double-armed 10-0 polypropylene suture with straight needles that require no scleral flaps. The IOLs are sutured to the sclera, the free suture ends are tied to the suture loops, and they are buried together under the sclera. Forty eyes of 37 patients were included. Postoperative complications are IOL capture in five eyes (12.5%), a significant IOL tilt in one eye (2.5%), recurrent UGH (uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema) syndrome in two eyes (5%), glaucoma in three eyes (7.5%), suture exposure in two eyes (5%) and IOL drop due to haptic breakage in one eye (2.5%). The technique can be effectively used for the refixation of dislocated hydrophobic acrylic IOLs by temporary haptic externalization through a corneal incision and for the treatment of aphakia with or without penetrating keratoplasty. Surgeons should be aware of the possibility of UGH syndrome due to IOL capture, especially in young eyes.

Innovative intraocular lens design to manage surgical aphakia in an eye with a filtering bleb

An innovative intraocular lens (IOL), the CM-T Flex IOL, was used to correct surgical aphakia without disturbing a functioning filtering bleb. A 66-year-old man presented with aphakia in the left eye. Cataract extraction and trabeculectomy was performed in the left eye 2 years previously elsewhere. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in the left eye was 6/18, and, on examination, it showed a filtering bleb that encroached on the limbus and superior cornea. The cornea was clear with a deep anterior chamber. Retinal examination was normal. Disc cupping was noted with a cup-to-disc ratio of 0.8. Refractive correction was performed by implanting the CM-T Flex IOL. This IOL has a unique design that eliminates the need for maneuvering the IOL haptics extraocularly. It entails a simple grasp, exteriorize, and release technique that anchors the IOL firmly to the scleral bed. At 6 months, CDVA in the left eye was 6/9 with a stable, centered IOL.

Intraocular Lens Implantation in the Absence of Zonular Support: An Outcomes and Safety Update: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology

PURPOSE

To review the published literature on the visual acuity results and complications of different surgical techniques for intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the absence of zonular support.

METHODS

Peer-reviewed literature searches were conducted last in PubMed and the Cochrane Library in July 2019. The searches yielded 734 citations of articles published in English. The panel reviewed the abstracts of these mostly retrospective case series studies, and 45 were determined to be relevant to the assessment objectives. Three articles were rated as level II evidence, and 42 articles were rated as level III evidence.

RESULTS

Eight different types of IOL fixation techniques with at least 6-month follow-up were evaluated: anterior chamber IOL (ACIOL), iris-claw IOL, retropupillary iris-claw IOL, 10-0 polypropylene iris-sutured posterior chamber IOL (PCIOL), 10-0 polypropylene scleral-sutured PCIOL, 8-0 polypropylene scleral-sutured PCIOL, CV-8 polytetrafluoroethylene, and intrascleral haptic fixation (ISHF). Eight articles reported data comparing 2 techniques. The 45 studies had insufficient statistical power to compare the techniques conclusively. A qualitative analysis of similar types showed that trends in visual acuity outcomes were not inferior to those of ACIOL implantation, but the severity of preoperative pathologic features was not controlled for. Compared with ACIOL, complications of cystoid macular edema were higher in 10-0 polypropylene iris-sutured PCIOL and 8-0 polypropylene scleral-sutured PCIOL. Non-anterior chamber IOL techniques were less likely to report chronic uveitis. Chronic glaucoma was highest in the 8-0 polypropylene scleral-sutured PCIOL group. Although retinal detachment was infrequent overall, it was twice as common in both iris- and scleral-sutured PCIOLs (except CV-8 polytetrafluoroethylene suture) compared with nonsutured methods: ACIOL, iris-clipped IOL, and ISHF PCIOL.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence reviewed shows no superiority of any single IOL implantation technique in the absence of zonular support. The various techniques seem to have equivalent visual acuity outcomes and safety profiles. Each technique has its own profile of inherent risk of postoperative complications. Surgeons must educate patients on the importance of close, long-term follow-up as a result of the uncertain nature of these techniques. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm the long-term complication profiles of these various IOL implantation techniques.

Long-term outcome of scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation without conjunctival peritomies and sclerotomy in ocular trauma patients

Background

To investigate the long-term outcomes and complications of scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SFIOL) implantation without conjunctival peritomies and sclerotomy in patients with a history of ocular trauma with inadequate capsular support during primary pars plana vitrectomy or silicone oil removal.

Methods

Records of ocular trauma patients who underwent implantation of SFIOL without conjunctival peritomies and sclerotomy during primary pars plana vitrectomy or silicone oil removal.

Results

Sixty-nine eyes of 69 patients were included in this study. The median follow-up period was 34 months (range, 6–99 months). The average patient age at the time of surgery was 44 years old (range, 4–80 years). At the end of follow-up, the preoperative mean of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.79 ± 0.86 log of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), which improved 0.20 ± 0.26 logMAR postoperatively (P = 0.01). BCVA improved or remained unchanged in 64 eyes (92.8%), VA decreased two lines in five eyes (7.2%). Early postoperative complications included transient corneal edema in seven eyes (10.1%), minor vitreous hemorrhage in four eyes (5.8%), transient elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in one eye (1.4%), and hypotony in three eyes (4.3%). Late postoperative complications included persistent elevated IOP in five eyes (7.2%), epiretinal membrane formation in three eyes (4.3%), and cystoid macular edema noted in one eye (1.4%).

Conclusions

Use of a scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation without conjunctival peritomies and sclerotomy in ocular trauma patients during either primary pars plana vitrectomy or second silicone oil removal is a valuable approach for the management of traumatic aphakia in the absence of capsular support.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12886-019-1172-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Anatomy of the ciliary sulcus and the optimum site of needle passage for intraocular lens suture fixation in the living eye

PURPOSE

To determine the relationship of the anatomic position of tissue surrounding the ciliary sulcus using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) for measurement of ciliary sulcus parameters and the surrounding tissue after intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE) and determine the correct suture site for intraocular lens (IOL) suture fixation.

SETTING

Sugiura Eye Clinic, Asahi General Hospital, Shizouka-ken, Japan.

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

METHODS

Using UBM, the angle of the ciliary sulcus and several areas of the tissue surrounding the ciliary sulcus were measured from 8 orientations in eyes after ICCE. These measurements and endoscopic observation of the ciliary sulcus indicated the optimum points of needle insertion and needle emergence on the sclera for IOL suture fixation. Endoscopic observation of the ciliary sulcus also showed its shape.

RESULTS

The shape of the surrounding tissue of the ciliary sulcus was measured in 16 eyes after ICCE, and endoscopy was used to observe the ciliary sulcus during surgery in 150 eyes. For ab interno ciliary sulcus suture fixation, the correct point of needle emergence on the sclera was 2.5 mm from the posterior surgical limbus when a straight needle was used. For ab externo pars plana suture fixation, the correct point of needle insertion on the sclera was 3.0 mm from the posterior surgical limbus. Endoscopic observation showed that the lower surface of the ciliary sulcus was formed by the fusion of neighboring ciliary processes.

CONCLUSION

Knowing the detailed shape of ciliary sulcus will allow for more precise IOL suture fixation.

Combined 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy and scleral fixation of intraocular lens without conjunctival dissection in managing lens complications

Background

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined 23-gauge transconjunctival pars plana vitrectomy and scleral fixation of intraocular lens (IOL) without conjunctival dissection.

Methods

A retrospective study in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung and Taoyuan, Taiwan. Patients receiving combined 23-gauge transconjunctival pars plana vitrectomy and scleral fixation of IOL without conjunctival dissection were enrolled. The ocular findings, causes of lens complication, surgical procedures, type of IOL used, and complications were documented.

Results

We included 40 eyes from 39 patients (27 male, 12 female) with a mean age of 59.5 [standard deviation (±) 14.8] years old. The mean follow-up duration was 6.8 ± 5.4 months. The cause of lens complications was ocular trauma in 24 (60%) eyes, cataract surgery complications in 11 (28%) eyes, and spontaneous subluxation of crystalline lens in 5 (13%) eyes. The overall best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (logMAR) improved from 1.359 ± 0.735 to 0.514 ± 0.582 (p < 0.001). The BCVA also improved significantly in each group with different causes of lens complications. Preoperative BCVA was the only factor associated with the postoperative visual outcome (p = 0.008). Most surgery-related complications were self-limited, including mild vitreous hemorrhage (5%), microhyphema (5%), transient elevated intraocular pressure (3%), and transient hypotony (3%). Cystoid macular edema and IOL decentration was found in 3 (8%) eyes and 1 (3%) eye respectively.

Conclusions

Combined 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy and scleral fixation of IOL without conjunctival dissection is effective and safe in managing a wide variety of lens complications, with good postoperative comfort and visual recovery.

Trial registration

Retrospective study, not applicable.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12886-018-0776-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Scleral fixation of one piece intraocular lens by injector implantation

Aim of Study:

With an ab-interno technique of transscleral suturing of current one-piece posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs) by injector implantation in the absence of capsular support, we aimed to demonstrate the possibility of the implantation of one-piece acrylic PC IOLs that might be produced in the future for only scleral fixation through small clear corneal incision.

Materials and Methods:

Case report and literature review.

Results:

This procedure has been performed in eight aphakic eyes with four different types of IOLs. Good centration was achieved with minimal technical effort. All patients had well-centered and stable lenses postoperatively during 9-18 months follow-up.

Conclusion:

We managed to decrease the risks of surgical trauma and intricate surgical maneuvers requirement. With this technique, excessive fluid leakage and consecutive hypotony can be minimized.

Transscleral fixation of single-piece foldable acrylic lens with eyelets at the optic-haptic junction

OBJECTIVE

To report the clinical outcomes of transscleral fixation using a single-piece foldable acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) with eyelets at the optic-haptic junction (enVista; Bausch & Lomb).

DESIGN

Retrospective, noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty eyes of 60 patients who underwent transscleral fixation with an enVista IOL were reviewed.

METHODS

Preoperative patient status, postoperative visual and refractive outcomes, and postoperative complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

The study included 60 eyes of 60 patients (52 males, 8 females) with a mean age of 56.65 ± 15.57 years. At final follow-up visit, the mean follow-up was 11.40 ± 4.24 months. The mean uncorrected visual acuity (logMAR) improved from 1.95 ± 0.90 to 0.85 ± 0.77 (p < 0.001), and best corrected visual acuity (logMAR) improved from 1.11 ± 1.13 to 0.64 ± 0.70 (p = 0.006). The mean spherical equivalent improved significantly from 6.90 ± 6.10 to 0.21 ± 2.10 D postoperatively (p < 0.001). Complications included transient ocular hypertension (15%), transient hypotony (7%), and hyphema (5%), but no serious complications were observed. In all cases, the IOL remained stable and well centred.

CONCLUSIONS

Transscleral fixation using a foldable acrylic IOL with eyelets at the optic-haptic junction can be a safe and effective alternative technique to manage cases with broken capsular bag or weak zonular support.

Long-term analysis of IOL stability of the Lewis technique for scleral fixation

PURPOSE

To demonstrate that in case of absence of capsular support intraocular lens (IOL) scleral fixation is both effective and stable over years.

METHODS

A total of 13 eyes from 13 patients who underwent an IOL scleral fixation according to Lewis suturing technique between January 2001 and December 2008 were studied. Patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic evaluation. The IOL stability was assessed using slit-lamp and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) examination. The IOL stability was evaluated in terms of centration and tilting. All the knots were photographed and their integrity assessed.

RESULTS

Follow-up was 60-129 months. Eleven knots appeared evident and undamaged, 6 knots were eroded, and 9 knots were not detectable. All IOLs were stable in the sulcus. Two patients presented a slight decentration of the IOL at the slit-lamp examination, while the AS-OCT demonstrated slight tilting of the lenses in 4 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The Lewis technique for IOL scleral fixation is an optimal surgical technique in case of absence of capsular support. No IOL luxation in the vitreous chamber has been reported; only 2 of the 10 patients with at least one eroded knot presented a minimal decentration of the lens with no influence on visual acuity. Although knot erosion is not an uncommon occurrence, IOL remains stable in the long term, probably due to a fibrotic process around the suture, and the IOL haptics, which prevent IOL dislocation.

Modified scleral suture fixation technique for foldable IOL with fenestrations in the proximal part of the haptics

PURPOSE

To present a modified surgical technique for scleral suture fixation of a new foldable intraocular lens (IOL) design with fenestrations in the proximal part of the haptics.

METHODS

An experimental model of a double continuous-loop 4-point scleral suture fixation of IOL with fenestrations in the proximal part of the haptics showed that with conventional techniques, the lens is located in a horizontal plane 90° to the expected iris plane. To achieve proper IOL positioning, we modified the technique so as to perform 2 needle passes through the sclera for each haptic in the same meridian, resulting in the external part of the suture being radial to the limbus. The technique was performed in 14 eyes. Mean follow-up time was 9.8 months.

RESULTS

In all cases, the lens was successfully implanted through clear corneal tunnel incision and the scleral fixation, as mentioned above, was performed with the use of Hoffman scleral pockets. Good centration of the IOLs without signs of tilt was achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to decrease the risk of tilt of the IOL with fenestrations in the proximal part of the haptics by modifying the technique so that the 2 needle passes through the sclera for each haptic are done in the same meridian, resulting in a layout of the external part of the suture being radial to the limbus.

Scleral Fixation of a Single-Piece Multifocal Intraocular Lens

Purpose.

We describe an ab interno technique for injector implantation of a one-piece multifocal intraocular lens (IOL).

Methods.

Transscleral fixation of multifocal posterior chamber IOL implantation using an injector with ab interno technique was performed in an eye of a 9-year-old girl who had undergone pars plana lensectomy 2 years before for bilateral lens subluxation with unknown etiology.

Results.

No major complications were encountered during a 3-month follow-up of the patient and excellent centration was observed during the follow-up period. Her preoperative best spectacle-corrected distance visual acuity of 20/32 improved to uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/25.

Conclusions.

Closed-loop design of IOL served the function of eyelets and position of the IOL was provided using only a 2-point fixation. Intraoperative position adjustment of the IOL provided an excellent centralization of multifocal IOL.

Clinical comparison of ciliary sulcus and pars plana locations for posterior chamber intraocular lens transscleral fixation

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical outcomes of transscleral fixation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) in the ciliary sulcus or pars plana.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.

DESIGN

Comparative case series.

METHODS

This retrospective chart review comprised eyes having ciliary sulcus or pars plana fixation of a 3-piece foldable acrylic PC IOL between January 2003 and August 2010. The postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), efficacy index, safety index, endothelial cell count (ECC), and complication rates in the 2 groups were compared.

RESULTS

The ciliary sulcus group comprised 38 eyes and the pars plana group, 56 eyes. There was no significant between-group difference in the postoperative CDVA, efficacy index, safety index, or ECC. The mean spherical equivalent difference was larger in the ciliary sulcus group. Intraocular lens dislocation and pupillary capture of the IOL optic occurred more frequently in the ciliary sulcus group (P=.001 and P=.041, respectively). However, retinal detachment, IOL decentration or tilt, cystoid macular edema, secondary glaucoma, and vitreous hemorrhage did not differ significantly between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

The pars plana location for PC IOL transscleral fixation was as safe and effective as the ciliary sulcus location.

Complications of sulcus placement of single-piece acrylic intraocular lenses: recommendations for backup IOL implantation following posterior capsule rupture

PURPOSE

To describe complications arising from sulcus placement of single-piece acrylic (SPA) intraocular lenses (IOLs), evaluate IOL options for eyes that lack adequate capsule support, and examine the appropriateness of various IOL designs for sulcus placement.

SETTING

University and private anterior segment surgery practices.

METHODS

Patients referred for complications of SPA IOLs in the ciliary sulcus from 2006 and 2008 were identified. Demographic information, examination findings, and complications of the initial surgery were recorded. Details of surgical interventions and the most recent corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were noted. A thorough review of the literature was undertaken to analyze options for IOL placement.

RESULTS

Complications of sulcus SPA IOLs included pigment dispersion, iris transillumination defects, dysphotopsia, elevated intraocular pressure, intraocular hemorrhage, and cystoid macular edema. Two patients in the series of 30 patients experienced 1 complication; 8 experienced 2 complications; 13 experienced 3 complications; 4 experienced 4 complications; and 2 experienced 5 complications. Twenty-eight eyes (93%) required surgical intervention; IOL exchange was performed in 25 (83%). Postoperatively, the mean CDVA improved, with most eyes attaining 20/20.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraocular lenses designed solely for the capsular bag should not be placed in the ciliary sulcus. Backup IOLs in appropriate powers, sizes, and designs should be available for every cataract procedure. The development, investigation, and supply of IOLs specifically designed for placement in eyes that lack adequate capsule support represent clinically important endeavors for ophthalmology and the ophthalmic industry.