Gonioscopic evaluation of haptic position in transsclerally sutured posterior chamber lenses.

PURPOSE

To determine the haptic position in transsclerally sutured posterior chamber lenses.

METHODS

Fifty eyes with transsclerally sutured posterior chamber lenses were evaluated gonioscopically to determine the superior haptic position using previous peripheral iridectomies.

RESULTS

The superior haptic of the transsclerally sutured posterior chamber lens was visualized in 31 (62%) of the eyes. In 24 (77%) of the 31 eyes, the haptic was within the ciliary sulcus, and in seven (23%), it was located posterior to the sulcus. A fibrotic membrane was detected around the sutured haptic in 20 (83%) of the 24 lenses located within the sulcus, whereas no fibrosis was seen surrounding the seven haptics outside the sulcus (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Proper positioning of the haptics may be correlated with the development of fibrosis surrounding the haptic and therefore may be an important factor in the long-term stability of transsclerally sutured posterior chamber lenses.