Scleral fixation in eyes with loss of capsule or zonule support

Abstract

We describe a new scleral fixation technique for posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with partial or total loss of the posterior capsule or zonule support. This technique uses a scleral incision that can be completed in less time than a conventional scleral flap and prevents unnecessary trauma to the eye. A double-thread, 10-0 polypropylene suture loop is introduced once through a scleral layer pathway inside the eye. The free ends of the polypropylene suture are buried between the 2 edges of the scleral incision. This technique was used in 15 eyes, with a follow-up of 6 to 30 months. Complications included iris capture, irregular pupil, hyphema, vitreous hemorrhage, choroidal hemorrhage, localized peripheral anterior synechias, and retinal detachment. The mean postoperative visual acuity was 20/40 at the last follow-up. This modified technique is an easy and effective way to achieve scleral fixation of the IOL.