Scleral suspension pars-plana lensectomy for ectopia lentis followed by suture fixation of intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To describe a simple technique of scleral suspension-pars plana lensectomy (SS-PPL) in acquired and congenital ectopia lentis and scleral fixation of intraocular lens (IOL).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Twenty eyes of 16 patients (12 unilateral and 4 bilateral cases of "essential familial lens subluxation") aged 10-40 years (mean 25 years) underwent SS-PPL with implantation of scleral fixated IOL. Indications for surgery were best-corrected visual acuity < 6/18, bisection of pupil by the lens, and lens-induced glaucoma. Prerequisites for SS-PPL were, visibility of part of the lens in the pupillary area and soft lens.

RESULTS

Postoperative visual acuity ranged from 6/6 - 6/36. Lens tilt in 3 cases(15%) and small decentration in 2 cases(10%) were seen; however these did not seriously compromise the visual result. Scant vitreous bleeding on the first postoperative day was seen in 3 cases (15%).

CONCLUSION

The advantages of the scleral suspension of subluxated lens prior to lensectomy include stabilization; it allows proper viewing of the lens, avoids injury to the iris and ciliary body during lensectomy and reduces the possibility of dislocation of the lens.