Long-Term Visual Outcome and Clinical Predictors Following Yamane Sutureless Intrascleral IOL Fixation

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Techniques
• Visual Rehabilitation

Background:

• Sutureless intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation via the Yamane technique offers a solution for visual rehabilitation in eyes lacking capsular support.
• Limited long-term data exists on the visual outcomes and clinical predictors associated with the Yamane technique in real-world patient cohorts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term visual outcomes of the Yamane sutureless intrascleral intraocular lens (SFIOL) fixation.
• To identify clinical predictors of postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in a consecutive series of patients.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, single-surgeon consecutive case series included 87 eyes from 85 patients undergoing Yamane SFIOL.
• Patients had aphakia or IOL ectopia and a minimum follow-up of 12 months.
• Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured, and multivariable regression analysis identified predictors of visual outcomes.

Main Results:

• Median BCVA significantly improved from 0.2 preoperatively to 0.9 postoperatively (p < 0.001).
• Older age, presence of macular edema, and prior silicone oil removal were independently associated with lower postoperative BCVA.
• Surgical indication and preoperative comorbidity burden did not predict visual outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The Yamane SFIOL technique provides substantial and durable visual improvement for eyes without capsular support.
• Long-term outcomes are primarily influenced by patient age and the status of the macula.
• This study confirms the reliability and efficacy of sutureless scleral IOL fixation in a real-world setting.