Evaluation of suturless scleral fixation with posterior chamber foldable intraocular lens implantation.

AIM

To assess the sutureless scleral fixation technique for posterior chamber foldable intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation in aphakic eyes with insufficient or no capsular support.

METHODS

A technique for sutureless intrascleral fixation of the haptics of a standard 3-piece PCIOL was used which ensures sutureless fixation by permanent incarceration of the haptics in a scleral tunnel parallel to the limbus. All patients were evaluated for preoperative status [visual acuity, refractive error, K readings, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, slit lamp examination, fundus examination and optical biometry], postoperative status and complications. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was done for 10 cases to evaluate optic tilt.

RESULTS

The study evaluated 42 eyes of 42 patients. The follow-up period was 6mo. Improvement of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) one line occurred in 10 cases (23.8%) and loss of one line in 3 cases (7.1%). Intraoperative complications included: haptic kink in 4 cases (9.5%), haptic breakage in 1 case (2.4%), haptic dislocation in 1 case (2.4%), haptic slippage in 3 cases (7.1%), IOL dislocation in 1 case (2.4%) and sclerotomy related bleeding in 1 case (2.4%). Postoperative complications included: transient mild vitreous hemorrhage in 3 cases (7.1%), choroidal detachment in 1 case (2.4%), cystoid macular edema (CME) in 1 case (2.4%), optic capture in 1 case (2.4%), subconjunctival haptic in 2 cases (4.8%), ocular hypotony in 4 cases (9.5%) and ocular hypertension in 1 case (2.4%). There were no cases of retinal detachment or endophthalmitis. UBM showed optic tilt in 3 cases (30%).

CONCLUSION

Fixation of three-piece foldable IOL haptics in scleral tunnel parallel to the limbus-provided axial stability and proper centration of the IOL with minimal or no tilt in most cases and a low complication rate during the follow up period which lasted 6mo.