An Electrocoagulation Fixation Technique for One-Piece Intraocular Lens Scleral Flapless Fixation With Sutures Without Knots

Abstract

Purpose: To present an electrocoagulation fixation technique for one-piece intraocular lens (IOL) scleral flapless fixation with sutures without knots. Methods: First of all, after repeated tests and comparisons, we chose 8-0 polypropylene suture as the material for electrocoagulation fixation of one-piece IOL haptics because of its proper elasticity and size. A transscleral tunnel puncture at the pars plana was performed using an arc-shaped needle with 8-0 polypropylene suture. The suture was subsequently guided out of the corneal incision by a 1-mL syringe needle and then guided by the needle into the inferior haptics of the IOL. The suture was cut off and heated into a shape of a probe with a spherical tip using a monopolar coagulation device to prevent slippage from the haptics. Results: In the end, 10 eyes underwent our new surgical procedures, and the average operation time was 42.5 ± 12.4 minutes. At the 6-month follow-up, seven of 10 eyes achieved significant vision improvement and nine of 10 kept the implanted one-piece IOL stable in the ciliary sulcus. No serious intraoperative/postoperative complications were observed. Conclusion: The electrocoagulation fixation was a safe and effective alternative technique for previously implanted one-piece IOL scleral flapless fixation with sutures without knots.