A safe temporary transcameral IOL stay suture

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Techniques
• Retinal Diseases

Background:

• Retinal detachment surgery often requires intravitreous gas.
• Iris-supported intraocular lenses complicate gas injection due to potential lens-endothelial contact.
• Existing methods may pose risks to the artificial lens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a safe and effective method for placing sutures in eyes with iris-supported lenses when intravitreous gas is needed.
• To present a technique that prevents contact between surgical instruments and the lens endothelium.
• To highlight the utility of this method in retinal detachment and penetrating keratoplasty.

Main Methods:

• A small-gauge long needle is used to traverse the anterior chamber anterior to the iris-supported lens.
• Monofilament suture is threaded through the needle lumen and the needle is withdrawn.
• The process is repeated to create a parallel mattress suture, ensuring no lens-endothelial touch.

Main Results:

• The described suturing technique safely introduces sutures without contacting the artificial lens.
• The mattress suture can be easily removed in an office setting after gas absorption.
• The method demonstrates potential applicability in penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.

Conclusions:

• This technique provides a safe solution for managing intravitreous gas in patients with iris-supported lenses.
• It minimizes the risk of iatrogenic damage to the lens and corneal endothelium.
• The suture's ease of removal and potential use in other procedures enhance its clinical value.