[A new posterior chamber intraocular lens for sutureless iris-fixated ciliary sulcus implantation in aphakic eyes without capsular support].

PURPOSE: To avoid anterior chamber lens implantation in aphakic eyes without capsular or zonular support, the laborious scleral fixation of a standard posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) is widely used, despite a large range of possible complications (macular edema, IOL tilt/decentration, suture erosion, vitreous hemorrhage). A sutureless iris-fixed ciliary sulcus implantation of a posterior chamber IOL (Binder-IOL, Fa. Iolution, Itzehoe) designed especially for such cases represents an alternative.

METHOD: At the end of both haptics of this IOL, with a 6 mm optic zone, a T-shaped anchor is mounted at an angle of 45 degrees from the optical plane. These anchors are inserted from behind the iris into peripheral iridotomies performed preoperatively with a YAG-laser or intraoperatively with a vitrectomy cutter. The long, C-shaped haptics are thus secured in the ciliary sulcus.

RESULTS

After slight modification of the technique, the implantation can be performed securely and reproducibly. In the 22 implantations performed to date, the IOL was well centered and stable, even in cases with only residual iris stroma. If the iridotomies are been performed too centrally, an ovalisation of the pupil may occur. No further side effects have been observed.

CONCLUSION

The technique of sutureless sulcus fixation presented here leads to less complications than scleral suture fixation. A prerequisite for safe implantation of the anchors is good visibility of the peripheral iris. The implantation of the Binder-IOL is especially suitable for aphakic eyes with a loosened iris diaphragm.