Reversed scleral tunnel technique for repair of iridodialysis after blunt force trauma: a retrospective clinical study

Abstract

BackgroundTo investigate the efficacy and safety of reversed scleral tunnel technique for repairing iridodialysis after blunt force trauma.MethodsA total of 51 eyes of 51 patients with iridodialysis undergoing surgery were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (the reversed scleral tunnel technique) and group B (the control group). Before the procedure and at 1, 3, and 6 months afterward, data on the patients’ age, gender, treatments, diagnosis, mechanism of injury, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), degree of iridodialysis, lens status, concomitant ocular damage, number of sutures, complications, and follow-up time were collected and compared between the 2 groups.ResultsIridodialysis was repaired and the pupil shape was restored to nearly round in all eyes. Standard phacoemulsification or lens removal was performed in all eyes. A final BCVA ≥20/60 was achieved in 13 eyes (48.1%) in Group A and 13 eyes (54.2%) in Group B. The IOP remained stable during the follow-up period in all eyes except 2 eyes (7.4%) in Group A and 3 eyes (12.5%) in Group B with angle recession. There were no statistically significant differences in BCVA and IOP between group A and group B. Intraoperatively, A significantly lower percentage of extensive subconjunctival hemorrhage occurred in Group A compared to Group B (1 eye versus 24 eyes, χ2 = 47.1, P = 0.00). Hyphema was observed in 2 eyes (7.4%) in Group A and 1 eye (4.2%) in Group B. Postoperatively, two eyes (7.4%) in Group A and 2 eyes (8.3%) in Group B developed retinal detachment. No other complications were noted during the follow-up period.ConclusionsThe reversed scleral tunnel technique is a safe and effective approach for repairing iridodialysis after blunt force trauma with few complications, favorable cosmetic and visual outcomes.