An Improved Technique for Management of Dislocated Posterior Chamber Implants

Abstract

Many techniques for repositioning dislocated posterior chamber implants described in the recent literature involve intricate intraocular manipulation of a needle or other sharp instrument. The author describes an improved sulcus fixation technique, which combines the best features of external and internal approaches. Its main features involve temporary externalization of the haptics for easy and secured placement of suture knots, and subsequent reinternalization of the same haptics through horizontal sclerotomies directly external to the ciliary sulcus for precise fixation of the dislocated posterior chamber implant with consistency. Between May 1989 and December 1990, this technique was successfully used for posterior chamber intraocular lens repositioning in 12 cases. The main advantages of this technique include: (1) easy suture placement, (2) less chance of suture slippage with the secured knots, and (3) avoidance of difficult intraocular maneuvers and possible tissue injury. This improved technique expedites the process of posterior chamber implant repositioning.