Haptic Erosion Following Sutureless Scleral-fixated Intraocular Lens Placement

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the clinical features and visual outcomes of eyes with conjunctival haptic erosion after sutureless intrascleral (SIS) fixated intraocular lens (IOL) placement.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Subjects: Patients experiencing haptic erosion after SIS fixation between January 1, 2013, and March 1, 2022.

Methods: A multicenter, multisurgeon, retrospective review.

Main outcome measures: Clinical features, visual outcomes, and treatment options following haptic erosions after SIS fixation.

Results: Nineteen eyes with haptic erosion were identified. The mean age at initial SIS fixation was 64 ± 12 years (range, 38-81 years). There were 5 (26%) eyes with a history of conjunctiva involving ocular surgery, including scleral buckle surgery and tube shunt surgery. Trocar-assisted fixation was performed in 15 (79%) eyes, whereas needle fixation was used in 4 (21%) eyes. Eighteen (95%) sets of haptics were flanged with a low temperature cautery. Seventeen (90%) sets of haptics were externalized superiorly and inferiorly, and 2 (10%) sets of haptics were externalized nasally and temporally. Haptics were covered by conjunctiva in 14 (74%) eyes and by scleral flap in 5 (26%) eyes. All patients experienced a single haptic erosion, of which 8 (43%) were located superiorly, 9 (47%) inferiorly, and 2 (10%) temporally. The mean interval between the initial SIS fixation and haptic erosion was 278 ± 437 days. After correction of the erosion, 18 (95%) eyes had a stable IOL at the last follow-up, with no recurrence of haptic erosion. In this series, there were no cases of endophthalmitis.

Conclusions: Haptic erosion is a notable complication after SIS fixated IOL surgery but may be repaired with favorable visual outcomes. Careful evaluation of the conjunctiva should be considered before the surgery.

Financial disclosure(s): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Keywords: Haptic erosion; Sutureless scleral-fixated intraocular lens.