McCannel Suture Technique Resolves Persistent Dysphotopsia Following Laser Peripheral Iridotomy in Phakic Eyes

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) is a common procedure for glaucoma management.
• Dysphotopsia, or visual disturbances, are an uncommon but potential complication of LPI.

Observation:

• Two patients experienced persistent, symptomatic dysphotopsia following LPI, characterized by visual phenomena linked to eyelid movement.
• The iridotomies were located peripherally and appeared to be affected by the upper eyelid position in primary gaze.

Findings:

• Surgical repair of the iridotomies using the McCannel suture technique successfully resolved the patients' dysphotopsia.
• The McCannel suture technique proved effective for repairing peripherally located iridotomies with minimal iris manipulation.

Implications:

• McCannel suture repair is a viable and definitive intervention for persistent, symptomatic dysphotopsia post-LPI.
• Pre-operative assessment of upper eyelid position is crucial to prevent LPI-induced dysphotopsia by avoiding interference with the tear film meniscus.