Long-term results using scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses

Transscleral ciliary sulcus fixation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) is a technique for managing complicated cataract surgery, secondary IOL implantation, and IOL exchange. We performed a retrospective review of 32 patients who had a minimum of six months and a mean of 13.3 months follow-up after transscleral ciliary sulcus fixation of a posterior chamber IOL. In 30 patients, vision was maintained or improved following surgery. Complications were not uncommon; they were visually significant in three patients and necessitated a reoperation for late subluxation of the IOL in one other patient. Although the long-term visual results are encouraging, the postoperative complication rate of scleral-fixated posterior chamber IOLs is between that of posterior chamber IOLs inserted when the posterior capsule is intact and that of closed-loop anterior chamber IOLs.