Small-incision iris fixation of foldable intraocular lenses in the absence of capsule support.

PURPOSE: To report visual outcomes and complications of modified McCannel iris suture fixation of small-incision foldable acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) for aphakia in the absence of capsule support.

DESIGN

Retrospective interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-six patients who underwent foldable acrylic IOL implantation using peripheral iris suture fixation for aphakia in the absence of capsule support.

METHODS

Data from 46 patients who underwent iris fixation of a foldable acrylic IOL were retrospectively evaluated for underlying diagnoses, surgical history, clinical results, and complications.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent, and surgical complications.

RESULTS

Best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/100 to 20/50 (P = 0.01), with 97% of eyes maintaining or improving BCVA after a mean (+/- standard deviation) follow-up of 24.1+/-12.4 months. Complications included transient low-grade uveitis (3 [6.5%]), transient pigment dispersion (3 [6.5%]), IOL dislocation (2 [4.3%]), elevated intraocular pressure (1 [2.2%]), and retinal detachment (1 [2.2%]). No new cases of cystoid macular edema or worsening of glaucoma occurred.

CONCLUSION

Small-incision peripheral iris fixation of 3-piece acrylic foldable IOLs in the absence of capsule support appears to be an effective technique with few severe adverse events.