Scleral Fixation of Intraocular Lens and Retropupillary Fixation of Iris Claw Lens for Aphakic Eyes

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and complications of scleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) and retropupillary fixation of iris claw IOL for dislocated IOL or aphakia without sufficient capsular support. METHODS: This retrospective study was comprised of 17 eyes of 16 patients undergoing scleral fixation and 14 eyes of 13 patients undergoing retropupillary fixation from August 2013 to June 2018. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), slit lamp examination, corneal topography, refractive indices, corneal curvatures, corneal endothelial cell density, and complications of both groups were examined preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Six months after the operation, UCVA and BCVA improved in both groups; however, there were no significant differences between the two groups (UCVA, p = 0.162; BCVA, p = 0.418). IOP was temporarily higher in the scleral fixation group at one day postoperatively (p = 0.023). The mean absolute prediction error was smaller in the retropupillary iris fixation group at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.034). Postoperative total astigmatism, corneal astigmatism, and corneal endothelial cell density were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The retropupillary iris fixation group did not show significant improvement in visual acuity compared with the scleral fixation group. However, the retropupillary iris fixation group provided better mean absolute prediction error and a low risk of postoperative increase in IOP compared with the scleral fixation group. Retropupillary fixation of iris claw IOL is a promising option for scleral fixation of posterior chamber IOL for dislocated IOL or aphakia without sufficient capsular support.