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Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Iris Fixation via External Pentagram Suturing
Published on: May 5, 2022
Iris-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses in children
Kimberly G Yen1, Ashvini K Reddy, Mitchell P Weikert
1Department of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. kgyen@texaschildrenshospital.org
Insights
Iris-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PCIOL) offer an alternative for pediatric aphakia, but dislocation risks are higher in patients with ectopia lentis. Careful consideration is advised due to potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Intraocular Lenses
Background:
- Pediatric aphakia requires effective intraocular lens (IOL) correction.
- Iris-fixated PCIOLs present an alternative to other suturing techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate short-term outcomes and complications of iris-fixated PCIOLs in pediatric patients.
- To compare complication rates in different pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, observational case study of 12 pediatric patients (17 eyes).
- Foldable iris-sutured PCIOLs implanted between 2004 and 2007.
- Outcome measures included visual acuity changes and complications.
Main Results:
- Higher dislocation rate (45%) in patients with ectopia lentis (Marfan syndrome, hereditary/idiopathic) compared to other aphakia causes (0%).
- Mean final visual acuity improved by 0.23 logMAR units.
- Complications included retinal detachment and iris capture.
Conclusions:
- Iris-fixated PCIOLs are a viable alternative for pediatric aphakia correction.
- IOL dislocation is a significant concern, especially in patients with ectopia lentis.
- Caution is recommended due to potential dislocation and suture degradation.
Purpose:
To report the short-term outcomes and complications of iris-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PCIOL) in the pediatric population.
Design:
Retrospective, observational case study.
Methods:
Twelve consecutive pediatric patients (17 eyes) underwent placement of foldable iris-sutured PCIOLs between September 1, 2004 and September 30, 2007 by two anterior segment surgeons at a single academic center. Outcome measures included change in visual acuity (VA) and complications.
Results:
In our series, there was a higher rate of dislocation of iris-sutured IOLs in patients with a history of ectopia lentis resulting from Marfan syndrome or hereditary or idiopathic causes than in patients being treated for aphakia resulting from other causes (45% vs 0%). Mean final VA improved by 0.23 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units from preoperative baseline. One eye of a Marfan patient sustained a retinal detachment eight months after dislocation of the PCIOL, and one patient experienced iris capture of the IOL after surgery.
Conclusions:
Iris-fixated IOLs are reasonable alternative to transsclerally sutured IOLs to correct aphakia in pediatric patient. Dislocation of the IOLs can occur, however, and there is concern for suture degradation over time. The procedure should be considered with caution in pediatric patients.
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