Sutureless Scleral Fixated IOL: The "Catcher Pole" Technique

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation
• Intraocular Lens Implantation

Background:

• Sutureless intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation is a desirable technique for managing aphakia and dislocated IOLs.
• Existing methods may involve complex manipulations or risk of complications.
• A simplified, effective approach is needed to enhance surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a new surgical technique for sutureless intrascleral IOL fixation.
• To describe the use of an adapted retinal scraper, termed the "Catcher Pole", for IOL haptic retrieval.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of this novel technique in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series involving 21 eyes from 19 patients.
• Utilized a standard three-piece posterior chamber IOL (PCIOL).
• Employed the "Catcher Pole" (a retinal loop scraper) inserted through a tunneled sclerotomy to externalize the IOL haptic, creating a flange to prevent slippage.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from 0.61 to 0.18 logMAR units (P=0.002).
• Mean IOL tilt was 3.19±2.01 degrees.
• Low complication rates: iris capture in 4.7% and transient ocular hypertension in 9.4% of eyes.

Conclusions:

• The "Catcher Pole" technique provides an easy-to-perform method for sutureless intrascleral IOL fixation.
• The technique minimizes anterior chamber manipulations.
• It achieves excellent anatomical and optical stability, leading to improved visual outcomes.