Flange depth for scleral pocket vs no pocket techniques for intrascleral intraocular lens fixation

To compare flange depth for a modified scleral pocket (SP) vs no scleral pocket (NSP) technique (Yamane technique) for intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation.

Instituto de Oftalmología Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina.

Prospective, randomized, single-surgeon, observational study.

Eyes with aphakia and no capsular support were included. They were divided into 2 groups: one was programmed for a double-needle flanged intrascleral IOL fixation as originally described by Shin Yamane with NSP and the second group had a modified SP technique. Flange depth was measured with anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively, and the results were compared.

Each group comprised 18 eyes of 18 patients, giving a total of 36 flanges per group. The groups were comparable preoperatively. At 12 months, uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were not statistically different for both groups (P = .333; P = .448). Spherical equivalent (SEQ) was not significantly different between groups at 12 months postoperatively (P = .078). AS-OCT revealed a significantly deeper flange position for the SP group at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively (P < .05).

When performing a double-needle intrascleral IOL fixation in aphakic eyes with no capsular support, a modified scleral pocket technique provides a significantly deeper flange position with no difference in CDVA or SEQ 12 months postoperatively.