A safe temporary transcameral IOL stay suture.

A serious problem arises in retinal detachment surgery when intravitreous gas is needed and an iris-supported artificial lens is in place. Using a very small-gauge long needle to cross the anterior chamber just anterior to the lens, monofilament suture can safely be brought across the chamber by threading it through the lumen of the needle and then removing the needle. The process can be repeated in a parallel position to create a mattress suture with no risk of lens-endothelial touch. The suture can be removed easily in the office when the gas has been absorbed. This suture may be useful also in penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.