[Sclera fixation of posterior chamber lenses. Indications, technique and results]

Over 18 months we implanted posterior chamber lenses in 40 eyes using transscleral suturing. The indication for this technique was the absence of capsular support, in most cases due to previous cataract surgery and/or trauma. A uniform procedure was used. After a medium follow-up of 9 months the major complications were as follows: immediately after the operation transient keratopathia was present in a third of the cases; 6 eyes showed iritis, which persisted in 4 eyes. Other late complications were cystoid macular edema in 2 cases and central vein occlusion, retinal detachment and recurrent iritis in single cases. Despite these complications the functional results were favorable in 32 eyes with a best corrected vision of 6/12 or better. Poor visual outcome could be related to the operative procedure in 2 eyes and to pre-existing pathology in the remaining 6 cases. We conclude that the operative technique should be improved to reduce complications.