Results Of Scleral Sutured Intraocular Lens Implantation

Aim: To evaluate the results of posterior chamber intraocular lenses implanted by scleral fixation technique. Method: 34 eyes of 34 cases which had intraocular lens implantation by scleral fixation method between January 2002 to December 2006 were retrospectively evaluated. The parameters evaluated were the age and sex distribution, primary or secondary IOL implantation, type of implanted intra ocular lens, visual acuity, intra ocular pressure and complications. Results: The mean age of the patients was 52.55± 22.08 years (range 4 to 83 years). The mean follow up time was 6.41±6.49 (3–36) months. The mean postoperative best corrected visual acuities (BCVA) in PMMA IOL group and foldable IOL group were, 0.39±0.35 and 0.57±0.27, respectively (p=0.146). The mean postoperative best corrected visual acuities (BCVA) in primary implantation group and secondary implantation group were, 0.44±0.34 and 0.47±0.32, respectively (p=0.758). The postoperative complication rates in PMMA IOL group and foldable IOL group were 40.9% and 16.6%, respectively. Postoperative IOP increase and cystoid macular edema were the main complications. Implanted twenty-two IOLs were PMMA, and twelve were 3-piece hydrophobic acrylic. Conclusion: Implantation with scleral fixation of IOLs may be preferred in eyes with absence of zonular and capsular support. Although visual outcomes were similar for the two IOL types, scleral fixation of foldable IOLs take less time, have low incidence of complications and earlier visual rehabilitation. Long term studies with larger number of patients may better define the role of scleral sutured posterior chamber intraocular foldable lens implantation.