Comparative study of secondary implantation of iris-claw lens and scleral-fixated intraocular lens in terms of visual outcome and complications

Abstract

Introduction: The modern cataract surgery is involved in implanting the posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) in the intact posterior capsule. However, the implantation of PCIOL is not possible in case of weak or no capsular support. In such situations, iris-claw lens (ICIOL) and scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SFIOL) remain as treatment options. Objective: The objective was to analyze the efficacy of ICIOL and SFIOL in terms of visual outcomes and complications. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective study with 30 aphakia patients fulfilling inclusion criteria. These patients were divided into two groups with 15 in each group. Group I patients underwent ICIOL and other 15 patients in Group II underwent SFIOL implantation. Patients with preexisting ocular pathologies were excluded. The preoperative and postoperative evaluation was done for the follow-up period of 6 months. Results were analyzed with Chi-square test and t-test using SPSS software. Results: In ICIOL group, 86.67% of patients and 80.6% of SFIOL patients had final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 6/18–6/6. The mean logMAR BCVA in both groups was comparable. The surgical time in ICIOL was significantly less than SFIOL group (P = 0.00). Suture-related complications were significantly more in the SFIOL group. Complications found in the ICIOL group were harmless. Conclusion: The visual outcome was found to be comparable in both groups. ICIOL requiring less surgical time with fewer complications was found to be a good alternative to SFIOL in correction of aphakia.