A comparative study of knotless versus knotted transscleral suture-fixated intraocular lens implantation

To compare functional outcomes and complication rates of two scleral fixated intraocular lens implantation (SFIOL) techniques.

In this retrospective study, there were 30 eyes of 30 patients who underwent SFIOL implantation for dislocation of the IOL or crystalline lens. Group 1 (n = 17) comprised patients who received scleral-fixated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) IOL implantation through a self-sealing sclerocorneal tunnel with the suture burial technique, and group 2 (n = 13) comprised patients who received scleral-fixated foldable acrylic IOL implantation with a cartridge using a self-sealing clear corneal incision (CCI) with knotless Z-suture technique between 2014 and 2019. Surgical outcomes concerning safety, efficiency, visual function, induced astigmatism with vector analysis, and complications were compared.

The indications were dislocated crystalline lens (n = 5/30), dislocated IOL (n = 17/30), and dropped nucleus (n = 8/30). The mean follow-up time was 50.65 ± 14.02 months in group 1 and 15.69 ± 3.71 months in group 2 (P < 0.001). The postoperative visual acuity improvement was statistically significant in both groups (P < 0.001). Surgically induced astigmatism was significantly higher in group 1 (2.68 ± 1.04 D) compared with group 2 (1.6 ± 1.0 D) at month 12 (P = 0.001). Postoperative complications included suture exposure (n = 1 in group 1) and cystoid macular edema (n = 1 in group 1; n = 1 in group 2).

Both SFIOL techniques are safe and effective in the absence of adequate capsular support. However, the knotless Z-suture technique appears to be superior to the suture burial technique with regard to suture exposure-related complications. In addition, self-sealing CCI appears to be superior to self-sealing sclerocorneal tunnel with regard to surgically induced astigmatism.