Short-term outcomes of a modified technique for small-incision scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation using Gore-Tex sutures

• Published in: Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology 2021-07, Vol.259 (7), p.1889-1896
• Main Authors: Huang, Ching-Wen, Tsai, Chia-Ying, Lai, Tso-Ting
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acuity; Astigmatism; Cataract; Edema; Hemorrhage; Intraocular lenses; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Ophthalmology; Sutures
• ISSN: 0721-832X; 1435-702X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05201-4

Purpose To report the short-term outcomes of a modified small-incision technique for implantation of scleral-fixated intraocular lenses (IOLs) using Gore-Tex sutures. Methods A retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series was conducted. From June 2019 to February 2020, 10 patients underwent small-incision scleral-fixated IOL implantation using Gore-Tex sutures at a tertiary referral center. Visual and anatomical outcomes and complications were recorded with a minimum follow-up period of 3 months. Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) and IOL-induced astigmatism were measured. Results The mean follow-up duration (range) was 396 (240–573) days. Best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.88 ± 0.65 (Snellen equivalent: 20/153) preoperation to logMAR = 0.30 ± 0.51 (Snellen equivalent: 20/40) at final follow-up ( P  = .008). The estimated SIA and IOL-induced astigmatism were 0.61 diopters (D) ± 0.49D and 0.40D ± 0.36D, respectively. No intraoperative complications occurred. The postoperative complications, which included ocular hypertension (20%), cystoid macular edema (30%), and vitreous hemorrhage (20%), were transient and resolved with topical medication. Conclusions The modified small-incision technique for implantation of scleral-fixated IOLs using Gore-Tex sutures was well tolerated in all patients, with favorable postoperative visual outcomes and minimal SIA and IOL-induced astigmatism.