New forceps and spatula for easy retropupillary implantation of iris claw lenses in aphakia: experience in 4 years of use.

PURPOSE: Retropupillary implantation of an iris claw lens offers a rapid and atraumatic approach for rehabilitation of aphakic eyes. The difficulty in the implantation process arises because of the possibility of losing the intraocular lens (IOL) into the vitreous cavity and the need to change the hand holding the forceps during the enclavation.

METHODS

The new forceps design radically changes the method of grasping an IOL. It contains an extendable supporting plate with a hook-like end. The instrument achieves a horizontal three-point fixation at the edge of the implant in the 6 and 12 o''clock position in order to prevent slippage into the vitreous cavity during the inclination. The supporting plate also has a horizontal mark to facilitate the centration of the IOL behind the pupil level. A long vitreoretinal-type shaft has been turned 90 degrees to exclude the possibility of an accidental release during implantation. A special slender long spatula with an internal twist enables one-hand enclavation through the same side port without the need to change the hand holding the forceps.

RESULTS

The author has implanted over 100 iris claw IOLs during the last 4 years without any intraor postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The new forceps and spatula enable safe, easy, and rapid implantation of iris claw IOLs into the retropupillary space.