Surgical refixation of posteriorly dislocated intraocular lens with scleral-tuck technique

To report the outcomes of surgical refixation of posteriorly dislocated intraocular lens (IOL) using scleral-tuck method, and to compare the "scleral groove" and the "scleral flap" techniques used.

Single-center, retrospective, interventional, comparative study.

Medical records of patients undergoing closed globe scleral refixation of posteriorly dislocated posterior chamber IOL (PCIOLs) by scleral-tuck method using two different techniques ("scleral groove" vs. "scleral flap" technique) were reviewed. This approach involved retrieving the dislocated PCIOL, externalizing the haptics through 2 sclerotomies created in paralimbal lamellar scleral grooves, or under lamellar scleral flaps and tucking the haptics into limbus-parallel scleral tunnels. No specific haptic architecture, haptic suturing, or large incisions were needed. Main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), final mean refractive error, and intra- and post-operative complications.

Thirteen eyes of 13 patients (scleral groove, n = 6; scleral flap, n = 7 eyes) with a mean follow-up of 20.6 months were included. BCVA in all eyes was maintained or improved postoperatively, with three eyes (23%) showing ≥2 line improvement. Median astigmatic error at 6-week follow-up was -1.25 D cylinder (range: -0.5 D--2.0 D) which remained stable till final follow-up. All IOLs remained stable and well centered. None of the eyes had a recurrent dislocation, retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, or glaucoma. Both techniques were comparable in terms of postoperative BCVA, and refraction.

Intrascleral haptic fixation by scleral-tuck method is reliable and effective for secure IOL refixation of posteriorly dislocated IOLs, providing good IOL centration and stability with minimal surgically-induced astigmatism. Both techniques (scleral groove and scleral flap) appear to have similar outcomes in the short term.