Phacoemulsification of dislocated lens and suture fixation of intraocular lens using a perfluorocarbon liquid

The objective was to describe a new surgical technique to manage a posteriorly dislocated crystalline lens. Four patients with posteriorly dislocated lenses were studied. Two patients had dislocated lenses secondary to trauma, 1 had undergone retinal detachment surgery, and 1 had an idiopathic lens dislocation. Pars plana vitrectomy was carried out on all 4 eyes, followed by an injection of perfluoro-n-octane to float the lens off the retina. The lens was phacoemulsified through a limbal incision, and an intraocular lens was positioned in the ciliary sulcus with suture fixation. Perfluoro-n-octane was replaced by a balanced salt solution. Postoperative visual acuity ranged from 1.0-1.5. Transient choroidal detachment and hypotony were observed in 3 eyes in the early postoperative period. Postoperative ocular hypertension was noted in 2 eyes and was well-controlled with topical antiglaucoma agent. These results indicate that limbal lensectomy of a posteriorly dislocated lens using perfluorocarbon liquids is a beneficial and relatively safe method.