Trans-iris fixation of dislocated in-the-bag intraocular lenses

The aim of this article is to describe the safety and efficacy of trans-iris suture fixation for the management of late dislocation of in-the-capsular-bag intraocular lenses following uncomplicated cataract surgery.

Eleven eyes of 11 patients with late in-the-capsular-bag intraocular lens dislocation following uneventful phacoemulsification cataract surgery were recruited in the study. The dislocated intraocular lens-capsular bag complex was sutured to the iris at two points 180° apart using 9-0 polypropylene sutures on long needles.

Mean patient age was 67 ± 6 years. Seven eyes had pseudoexfoliation syndrome, one eye had Marfan syndrome, and another eye had a traumatic cataract; no risk factor was identified for intraocular lens dislocation in two eyes. A capsular tension ring had been implanted during cataract surgery in four eyes. In six eyes, the posterior chamber intraocular lenses were one-piece foldable while the remaining were three-piece intraocular lenses. Compared to the preoperative value, corrected distance visual acuity was significantly improved postoperatively (p < 0.005). Intraoperative hyphema occurred in two eyes. Pupil ovalization was observed in all eyes. Mean endothelial cell count decreased by 4 ± 1.7% after intraocular lens fixation. The capsular bag-intraocular lens complex was stable and well-centered in the pupillary area in all eyes at the final follow-up examination which was performed 16 ± 4 months postoperatively.

Trans-iris fixation is a simple and effective procedure for management of late intraocular lenses-capsular bag complex dislocation, without major complications.