Safety of transscleral-sutured intraocular lenses in children

To evaluate the long-term efficacy, safety, and advisability of transscleral-sutured posterior chamber intraocular lenses (IOLs) in pediatric patients with no capsular support and to determine whether a 10-0 polypropylene suture should be used for this purpose.

A long-term retrospective interventional case series review of 33 eyes of 26 patients who had a sutured IOL at Duke University Eye Center. Cases were evaluated for the intraoperative surgical risks and the number, type, and severity of the postoperative complications. A survey of pediatric ophthalmologists' experience with suture breakage was performed.

Intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications were minimal and not sight-threatening for the patient. Four patients developed subluxation of the IOL secondary to spontaneous 10-0 polypropylene suture breakage at 3.5, 5, 6, and 8 years after surgery. A survey of pediatric ophthalmologists revealed 13 similar cases (mean, 5 years after surgery).

Caution should be exercised in the use of 10-0 polypropylene suture to fixate an IOL to the sclera in children, and an alternative material or size (such as 9-0 polypropylene) should be considered.