INTRAVITREAL NEEDLE TECHNIQUE FOR INTRASCLERAL HAPTIC FIXATION OF POSTERIORLY DISLOCATED THREE-PIECE INTRAOCULAR LENSES.

PURPOSE: Double-needle intrascleral haptic fixation (Yamane) technique is a minimally invasive method for posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) fixation in the setting of absent or inadequate capsule support. A modified intravitreal needle technique is herein described for the management of three piece IOLs which are dislocated into the vitreous cavity.

METHODS

In this technique, after completing pars plana vitrectomy, under the noncontact ophthalmomicroscope, the haptic of the dislocated IOL is docked directly in the vitreous cavity into a 27-G needle which is inserted through a transconjunctival tunneled scleral incision 2 mm. from the corneal limbus, and externalized from the conjunctiva and fixated sclerally.

RESULTS

The technique is described with a case report. A male patient of 65 years old who underwent a complicated cataract surgery was operated using this technique. No preoperative or postoperative complication was seen.

CONCLUSION

In this technique, the dislocated IOL is not taken in the anterior segment before the scleral fixation. The haptics are threaded into the 27-G needle directly in the vitreous cavity during the vitrectomy. This is a short cut Yamane technique for posteriorly dislocated three-piece IOLs. This technique may shorten the surgical time and minimize surgical trauma in cases with posteriorly dislocated three-piece IOL.