Visual outcome and complications after sutureless scleral fixation intraocular lens implantation

Abstract

Context: In case of weak, inadequate, or total absence of posterior capsule following trauma or surgical complication, a sutureless scleral fixation (SFIOL) technique has been studied to secure good vision with minimal postoperative complications. It remains as a good alternative against anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL), iris claw lens, and sutured scleral fixated intraocular lens. Aims: Visual outcomes after SFIOL implantation. Complications of SFIOL implantation. Settings and Design: A retrospective hospital-based study. Methods and Material: The study was undertaken depending on the data available of the patients who were diagnosed to have postoperative or post-traumatic aphakia and underwent pars plana vitrectomy ± lens explantation ± phacofragmentation with SFIOL implantation from the month of May 2021 to October 2021 and came for regular follow-up for 6 months. The study included patients with total absence of capsular bag or history of eye trauma or complicated cataract surgery causing aphakia. Patients with retinal detachment were excluded from the study. Indication for surgery, best corrected visual acuity, and other complications were studied. Results: Of 25 eyes of 25 patients who completed 6 months of follow-up, 16 (64%) were men and 9 (36%) were women. Mean visual outcome preoperatively and postoperatively were 1.56 ± 0.7 logMAR and 0.46 ± 0.1 logMAR units, respectively. Mild vitreous hemorrhage was found in 8 eyes (32%) which was the most common postoperative complication noted followed by postoperative hypotony in 6 eyes (24%). Transient rise in intraocular pressure, corneal edema, and choroidal detachment were other complications seen postoperatively. Conclusions: A technique of sutureless SFIOL implantation was found to be a cost-effective method of providing a good visual outcome without serious postoperative complications in eyes with aphakia following post-trauma or surgical complications.