Scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation with “irregular, knotless, zigzag-shaped scleral tunnel suture technique” combined with pars plana vitrectomy or anterior vitrectomy

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aims to introduce a new suture method and report surgical outcomes of patients who underwent scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SF-IOL) implantation combined with either pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or anterior vitrectomy (AV). METHODS: Twenty-three eyes performed SF-IOL implantation combined with PPV (Group 1), and 34 eyes performed SF-IOL implantation combined with AV (Group 2) were included in the study prospectively. The SF-IOL, either polymethyl methacrylate or foldable IOL, was sutured into the sclera using PC-9 sutures in an irregular, knotless, and zigzag-shaped manner. The scleral tunnel was approximately 12-15 mm long, with at least four sharp edges. Suture tips were trimmed within the scleral tunnel. Postoperative outcomes and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Both groups showed no complications such as suture tip expulsion, suture reaction, IOL dislocation, or increased intraocular pressure during postoperative visits. Group 1 exhibited a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity compared to preoperative values (P = 0.036 for the 1st month, <0.001 for the 3rd month). Similarly, Group 2 demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity compared to the preoperative period (P = 0.001 for the 1st month, <0.001 for the 3rd month). CONCLUSION: The “irregular, knotless, and zigzag-shaped scleral tunnel suture technique” yielded favorable results in terms of IOL stability and visual acuity. This technique can be safely employed in patients undergoing SF-IOL implantation combined with PPV or AV.