Long-term Outcome of Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Sutured Scleral-Fixated Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation or Repositioning

Am J Ophthalmol. 2018 May:189:10-16. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2018.01.034. Epub 2018 Feb 7.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the long-term stability of sutured scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PCIOLs) performed in combination with pars plana vitrectomy.

Design: Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series.

Methods: Retrospective single-surgeon study of 118 eyes of 111 patients seen at Retina Consultants of Hawaii, who underwent sutured scleral fixation of at least 1 haptic of a posterior chamber intraocular lens with 10-0 polypropylene combined with a pars plana vitrectomy. The fixation knot-tying technique required 2 separate 10-0 polypropylene sutures tied into 1 combined knot-1 suture closed the fixation sclerotomy and created the scleral fixation, and 1 suture looped together around the haptic of the PCIOL, securing the haptic to the scleral fixation site. The primary outcomes were position of the PCIOL at last follow-up, dislocation of either 1 or both haptics of the PCIOL, and breakage of the 10-0 polypropylene fixation suture.

Results: PCIOLs remained well stabilized and positioned at last follow-up in 116 of 118 eyes (98.3%), with a mean follow-up of 6.0 years. The maximum stable follow-up with 2 intact fixation sutures was 24.75 years. There were 4 cases of redislocation (3.4%), but 2 cases were owing to unstable residual capsular support. There was 1 case of suture breakage in 214 fixation sutures (0.47%) and 1 case of haptic breakage.

Conclusions: Scleral fixation sutures with 10-0 polypropylene provide excellent long-term fixation of PCIOLs, with a less than 0.5% incidence of suture breakage and documented suture stability for up to 24+ years.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lens Implantation, Intraocular / methods*
  • Lenses, Intraocular
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polypropylenes
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Pseudophakia / physiopathology
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sclera / surgery*
  • Suture Techniques*
  • Sutures
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Acuity / physiology
  • Vitrectomy / methods*

Substances

  • Polypropylenes