Transscleral Fixation of Intraocular Lenses Using Modified Injector

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical stability and outcomes of 3-piece intraocular lens (IOL) transscleral fixation surgery using a modified injector. METHODS: We have modified and used the Sapphire unfolder injector system (Allergan(R), USA). This involved, cutting a slit longitudinally at the terminal part of the injector so that a thread could pass through it freely. After a conjunctival peritomy created at 2 and 8 o'clock, a long curved needle with double-armed 10-0 polypropylene is passed through the exposed sclera. Two pieces of suture are withdrawn through the 2.8 mm corneal incision and 1 suture (from 8 o'clock) is passed through the opening of the cartridge and then tied to the leading haptic. Next, the IOL was implanted with the cartridge and then inserted through the corneal incision site. The other suture (from 2 o'clock) is tied to the haptic on the opposite side and inserted. RESULTS: The study included 20 eyes of 20 patients with a mean age of 62.8 years at the initial visit. There were no complications, such as vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, glaucoma, corneal edema, or iris injury. While the knot fixed to the leading haptic of IOL passed by the cartridge, there was no change of position. During the follow-up period, IOL dislocation did not occur and the corrected visual acuity and corneal astigmatism improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is an effective procedure for minimizing entangled thread and corneal astigmatism.