Intraocular Lens Haptics Research Articles

Pinching and detachment of the intraocular lens haptics during implantation

Background. Modern small incision surgery involves the use of injection systems for implanting intraocular lenses (IOLs) into a capsule bag. As with any other stage of cataract phacoemulsification, there are also risks of complications during implantation, consisting in damage to IOLs of varying severity from microcracks of optics to detachment of haptic lens elements. There is no convincing data on the effect of micro-destruction of the optical part of the IOL on the functional results of lens surgery, however, damage to the lens support elements affects the effective position of the IOL, which leads to visual defects (glare, flare) and the inability to achieve calculated refraction. Pinching and/or detachment of the IOL haptics during implantation is a rare situation that every ophthalmic surgeon can encounter. At the same time, there are isolated works on this topic in the literature that do not describe ways to prevent and resolve this complication.The aim. To demonstrate, using clinical examples, surgical tactics for pinching and tearing of haptics of intraocular lenses during implantation. Material and methods. Clinical cases are presented using the example of patients with pinching and detachment of IOL haptics during implantation.Results. The presented clinical cases reflect the features of surgery for damage to the supporting elements of the intraocular lens.Conclusion. Pinching of haptic elements in the injector during implantation surgery can be resolved by simple dissection of the cartridge with a keratome knife. In the case of a haptic detachment, the use of the method of rear “capture” of IOL optics in the presence of a haptic stump of sufficient size (1 mm or more) allows the lens to be securely fixed in the central position.

Efficacy of Sutureless Scleral Fixation of One-Piece T-Shaped Haptic Intraocular Lens in Maintaining Anterior Chamber Stability During Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Vitrectomized Eyes: Leak Test and Iris Diaphragm Reconstruction.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the outcomes of a staged procedure combining Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and sutureless scleral fixation (SSF) of a one-piece intraocular lens (IOL) in a case series. Co-performing endothelial keratoplasty (EK) and SSF is associated with intraoperative and postoperative complications such as graft deployment difficulties, air migration, graft detachment, and IOL opacification or tilt, all of which are evaluated in this study. Methods: This is a retrospective observational case series. Clinical data were collected from eight eyes of eight patients who underwent DMEK for endothelial failure and had previously received an SSF with one-piece IOL following complete vitrectomy. During DMEK surgery, an air leak test was conducted to check for air migration into the posterior chamber. If instability was detected, pupilloplasty was performed. Intraoperative and postoperative data, including DMEK graft unfolding time, were collected. Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (CDVA), refraction, endothelial cell density (ECD), central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and complications were recorded over a 12-month follow-up period. Results: We performed pupilloplasty in four patients (50%). The median CDVA improved from preoperative 0.85 logMAR (range: 0.60 to 1.00) at baseline to 0.18 logMAR (range: 0.10 to 0.70, p = 0.012) at 12 months. The median refraction value changed significantly from -1.00 to -0.50 at 12 months. The median percentage reduction in ECD after 12 months was 33.4% (range 30 to 40). The median baseline CCT was 689 μm (range: 651 to 701) at baseline visit and 541.5 μm (range: 525 to 591, p = 0.008) at 12 months. The median IOP was reduced significantly during follow-up. The median graft unfolding time was 6 min (5 to 9). One patient required rebubbling for partial detachment on postoperative day one. No complications occurred within 12 months. Conclusions: The effective compartmentalization of the anterior and posterior chambers in vitrectomized eyes with an SSF one-piece IOL and pupilloplasty can facilitate critical steps of DMEK surgery in complex eyes. Additionally, the air leak test could prove useful in identifying the need for iris-lens diaphragm reconstruction.

Research on the Z.S. technique for 8 − 0 polypropylene suture in scleral fixation of one-piece intraocular lens

BackgroundTo introduce a new flange technique (called the Z.S. fixation technique) for 8 − 0 polypropylene suture in scleral fixation of a one-piece intraocular lens (IOL) and evaluate its effectiveness and safety.MethodsAll surgeries were performed using two strategies. First, the Z.S. fixation technique was used to fix 8 − 0 polypropylene sutures to the sclera and the two haptics of a one-piece IOL, respectively. The one-piece IOL previously implanted in the anterior chamber was then relocated to the posterior chamber. Finally, the suture ends outside the sclera were cauterized into flanges and buried in the sclera. All effectiveness and safety data related to the Z.S. technique were recorded and compared.ResultsThe Z.S. fixation technique was employed in 16 eyes of 13 patients, with a follow-up duration of at least 6 months. Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was greatly improved in most of the operated eyes (11/16). The mean log MAR UDVA after surgery was significantly improved compared with that before surgery (0.93 ± 0.72 vs. 1.53 ± 0.73, P = 0.002). IOLs in the vast majority of operated eyes (15/16) remained stable during half-year follow-up. No severe intra-/post-operative complications were observed in any of the operated eyes.ConclusionThe Z.S. fixation technique for 8 − 0 polypropylene suture in scleral fixation of one-piece IOL reduced surgical injuries and had ideal surgical effectiveness and safety.

Unintended placement of intraocular lens haptics in the sulcus and its association with posterior capsular opacification in pseudophakic post-mortem eyes

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of unintended placement of intraocular lens (IOL) haptics in the sulcus and its association with posterior capsular opacification (PCO). DesignCross-sectional study. Participants428 post-mortem pseudophakic human eyes. MethodsEyes were obtained from the Lions Gift of Sight and imaged in Miyake-Apple view (MAV). IOL haptic placement (bag–bag, bag–sulcus, sulcus–sulcus) was determined from the MAV images. IOL-capsular bag complexes were extracted and analyzed via Automated Detector Opacification Software to quantify PCO and Soemmering's Ring (SR). SR distribution was categorized as focal, diffuse, or none. Mean differences in PCO and SR between haptic groups were assessed via Welch's t-test. Odds ratios were used to compare the risk of SR distribution patterns between both haptic groups. Sex, clinical history (diabetes, smoking, hypertension, glaucoma, cancer, age-related macular degeneration [AMD], hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular disease), and IOL model and specifications were collected. Results20 eyes (4.67%) had unintended sulcus placement of haptics. Mean PCO (p = 0.0367) and SR (p = 0.0414) were significantly higher in sulcus eyes. Sulcus eyes were significantly more at risk of focal SR distribution (OR 8.715; p < 0.0001) and significantly less at risk of diffuse SR distribution (OR 0.168; p = .0007). Sulcus eyes had significantly higher frequencies of glaucoma (p < 0.0001) and AMD (p = 0.0023) on clinical history. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that unintended sulcus placement of IOL haptics may be associated with an increased risk of PCO and SR formation. This study offers clinical signs of sulcus haptic placement that may prompt physicians to seek earlier appropriate intervention.

Image Contrast and Spectral Transmission of Presbyopia-Correcting Intraocular Lenses: Evaluating the Impact of Nd:YAG Laser Associated Defects

Purpose Neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy is considered gold standard in the treatment of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). In this laboratory study, we measured spectral transmission to evaluate the image contrast and analyze the impact of Nd:YAG associated defects in presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (IOLs). Methods Two hydrophobic, acrylic IOLs as classic multifocal lenses with diffractive ring segments and different amount of near addition (A, B), one hydrophilic, trifocal IOL (C), one sector-shaped, plate haptic IOL (D) and one hydrophobic, enhanced depth of focus (EDOF) IOL (E) were studied. Measurements included surface topography characterization, United States Air Force resolution test chart (USAF) analysis, spectral transmittance measurements and through focus contrast measurement. Measurements were done with unaltered samples, damages (n = 7) were intentionally created in the central 3.5 mm zone using a photodisruption laser (2.0 mJ) and measurements were repeated. Results Significant differences were shown between unmodified samples and samples with YAG pits. The YAG-pits decreased the image contrast and spectral transmission and changed results of USAF test images. The imaging contrast decreased to 66%, 64%, 60%, 52% and 59% with the YAG shots in samples (A-E). The light transmission decreased to 88%, 87%, 92%, 79% and 91% (A-E) on average between 400 nm to 800 nm. In all IOLs a reduction of the relative intensity of transmitted light was observed. Conclusion The image performance of all tested presbyopia-correcting IOLs is significantly influenced and disturbed by YAG-pits. The intensity of transmitted light is reduced in the wavelength between 450–800 nm. USAF test targets show worse results compared to unmodified samples and contrast is significantly deteriorated. No ranking/rating among tested IOLs should be made as many other factors play a role in real world scenario. High care should be taken when performing Nd:YAG capsulotomy on premium IOLs to avoid any damages.

Modified "C" Haptic Intraocular Lens Orientation and Negative Dysphotopsia.

Phacoemulsification is the standard of care in cataract surgery in the developed world, with patients having high expectations regarding visual results. Postoperative dissatisfaction due to negative dysphotopsia (ND) ranges from rare to very frequent; its etiology is unclear, and it affects postoperative satisfaction. Since one of the most frequently used strategies to avoid ND is related to intraocular lens (IOL) haptic orientation, we conducted a prospective interventional study that enrolled 197 patients who underwent standard phacoemulsification. All patients had a one-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOL implanted; in one group, the haptics were placed in any meridional axis except inferotemporal (IT) meridians, and in the other group, the IOL was implanted with the haptics in an IT position. Our results showed no statistically significant differences between groups when analyzing the correlation between the position of IOL haptics and the presence of ND in week one and month one. Also, pupillary diameter showed no statistically significant differences between patients with or without ND. Despite some studies claiming that haptic orientation prevents ND, we found that haptic orientation does not correlate with ND incidence and that ND decreases from day 1 to month 1. Our results support previous findings on the decrease in ND over time and that haptic orientation should not be considered an intraoperative strategy to avoid this unwanted phenomenon.

A Novel Technique for scleral fixation of Carlevale Intraocular Lens without conjunctival opening utilizing Hoffman Pockets

Purpose: To report a novel surgical technique for scleral fixation of Carlevale intraocular lens (IOL) without conjunctival dissection using Hoffman pockets. Methods: An 80-years-old female with IOL dislocation in her right eye required IOL exchange. After removing the dislocated IOL, a Carlevale IOL was implanted, securing the self-blocking harpoons within scleral pockets which were constructed using Hoffman technique. Results: Surgical procedure was uneventful. During the next 3 months follow up, Carlevale IOL remained stable within the scleral pockets, and no signs of IOL dislocation or decentration were observed. Visual acuity significantly improved from 20/200 preoperatively up to 20/32 postoperatively due to corneal scaring from previous herpetic keratitis. No postoperative complications were recorded. Conclusion: Creating scleral pockets without conjunctival dissection using Hoffman pockets technique, represent a reliable and effective method for achieving both secure fixation and effective scleral covering of Carlevale IOL haptics. Absence of conjunctival opening, apart from patient postoperative comfort, reduces risk of postoperative complications, including conjunctival erosion and infection. The presented technique offers a promising alternative for Carlevale IOL scleral fixation.

Dislocation force of scleral flange-fixated intraocular lens haptics

PurposeTo measure the dislocation forces in relation to haptic material, flange size and needle used.SettingHanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria.DesignLaboratory Investigation.Methods, main outcome measures30 G (gauge) thin wall and 27 G standard needles were used for a 2 mm tangential scleral tunnel in combination with different PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) and PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate haptics). Flanges were created by heating 1 mm of the haptic end, non-forceps assisted in PVDF and forceps assisted in PMMA haptics. The dislocation force was measured in non-preserved cadaver sclera using a tensiometer device.ResultsPVDF flanges achieved were of a mushroom-like shape and PMMA flanges were of a conic shape. For 30 G needle tunnels the dislocation forces for PVDF and PMMA haptic flanges were 1.58 ± 0.68 N (n = 10) and 0.70 ± 0.14 N (n = 9) (p = 0.003) respectively. For 27 G needle tunnels the dislocation forces for PVDF and PMMA haptic flanges were 0.31 ± 0.35 N (n = 3) and 0.0 N (n = 4), respectively. The flange size correlated with the occurring dislocation force in experiments with 30 G needle tunnels (r = 0.92), when flanges were bigger than 384 micrometres.ConclusionsThe highest dislocation forces were found for PVDF haptic flanges and their characteristic mushroom-like shape for 30 G thin wall needle scleral tunnels. Forceps assisted flange creation in PMMA haptics did not compensate the disadvantage of PMMA haptics with their characteristic conic shape flange.

A Modified Four-point Scleral Fixation of Intraocular Lens in Aphakic Eyes without Adequate Capsular Support

Background: Polypropylene is a commonly used suturing material for intraocular lens (IOL) scleral fixation, but a high breakage rate after several years of follow-up is reported. Meanwhile, Gore-Tex has been a popular artificial material in ophthalmic surgery. Aim: This pilot study investigated the safety and efficacy of a modified surgical technique for scleral fixation of a four-point, close-loop haptic IOL using Gore-Tex as the suture material for aphakic patients without adequate capsular support. Methods: A modified IOL scleral fixation technique was developed using a four-point, close-loop haptic IOL and Gore-Tex as the suture material. Patients undergoing the operation between March 2018 and May 2019 at one center were included in the study. The preoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) with spectacles and postoperative UDVA with an IOL were compared as the main outcome. Follow-up time was 17–43 months. Results: A total of 10 eyes of 10 patients were enrolled, including 3 with iatrogenic IOL dislocation, 3 with iatrogenic lens drop, 2 with traumatic lens dislocation, and 2 with late in-the-bag IOL dislocation. The mean age was 70.8 ± 12.11 years. The mean UDVA, evaluated by the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, was decreased from preoperative 1.89 ± 0.28 to postoperative 0.58 ± 0.70 (P &lt; 0.001). No complications were reported except in one case with a postoperative corneal ulcer which healed after antibiotic treatment. Conclusion: The favorable outcome suggests Gore-Tex sutures as a safe and stable material for IOL scleral fixation. Prospective studies with a larger sample size would be necessary for more details on the safety and efficacy of the Gore-Tex suture in IOL scleral fixation.

CONTRIBUTION FACTORS OF EFFECTIVE LENS POSITION, TILT, AND DECENTRATION DURING FLANGED SCLERAL FIXATION OF INTRAOCULAR LENS: A Model Eye Study.

The authors aimed to elucidate the factors related to effective lens position, tilt, and decentration of scleral fixed intraocular lenses (IOLs) with a flanged haptic technique in an artificial eye model using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Two bent 27-gauge needles were passed through a 1.0- or 2.0-mm scleral tunnel, 2.0 mm posterior to the limbus and 180° apart. Both haptics of a three-piece IOL were docked with guide needles and externalized. Factors related to the IOL position were analyzed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography and a stereomicroscope. The 1.0-mm scleral tunnel induced a significantly longer effective lens position than the 2.0-mm tunnel and suture fixation ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Discrepancy in scleral tunnel length induced higher decentration of the optic to the opposite side of the haptic-embedded shorter tunnel and tilt perpendicular to the fixed axis than that in the scleral tunnel of the same length ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). If the scleral fixation points of both haptics are not exactly 180° apart, the IOL may become decentered and tilted ( P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). In the flanged haptic technique, the length, balance, and position of both scleral tunnels determine IOL effective lens position, tilt, and decentration.

Intraocular lens tilt and decentration in secondary ciliary sulcus implantation in paediatric eyes: A 3-year prospective study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the tilt and decentration of one-piece anti-vaulting haptic intraocular lenses (IOL) and three-piece C-loop haptic IOLs in paediatric eyes undergoing secondary IOL implantation into the ciliary sulcus. Paediatric aphakic patients receiving either one-piece anti-vaulting haptic or three-piece C-loop haptic IOL implants into the ciliary sulcus were enrolled in this prospective non-randomized interventional study and followed up for 3 years. IOL decentration and tilt were measured using Scheimpflug images. Preoperative and postoperative information, including demographic data and ocular biometric parameters and complications, were collected and analysed. Among 123 eyes of 79 paediatric patients, there were 72 eyes (58.54%) in the anti-vaulting haptic IOL group and 51 eyes (41.46%) in the C-loop haptic group. The anti-vaulting haptic IOL group had a lower incidence of clinically significant vertical IOL decentration than the C-loop haptic IOL group (23.88% vs. 43.14%, p = 0.037). No intergroup differences were observed in vertical or horizontal tilt or in horizontal decentration (all p > 0.05). One-piece anti-vaulting haptic IOL implantation was associated with a lower risk of clinically significant vertical decentration than three-piece C-loop haptic IOL implantation (odds ratio: 0.42, p = 0.037). There was a higher incidence of IOL dislocation in the C-loop haptic IOL group (15.22% vs. 4.17%, p = 0.046). In paediatric aphakic eyes undergoing secondary IOL implantation into the ciliary sulcus, one-piece anti-vaulting haptic IOLs can reduce the risk of clinically significant vertical IOL decentration compared with three-piece C-loop haptic IOLs and may favour long-term IOL positional stability.

SCLERAL SUTURE FIXATION FOR DISLOCATED SILICONE PLATE HAPTIC INTRAOCULAR LENS.

To describe results in two cases of a dislocated silicone plate haptic intraocular lens managed with vitrectomy and repositioning with scleral suture fixation. Small case series. Two patients presenting with dislocated silicone plate haptic intraocular lens underwent a 23-gauge vitrectomy with a "handshake" maneuver to pass a 9-0 prolene suture through the positioning holes to allow scleral fixation. Best-corrected visual acuity was returned to predislocation Level 2 and 8 months after the vitrectomy. Silicone plate haptic intraocular lens can be managed with scleral suture fixation using this adapted technique, avoiding removal and exchange techniques. These are the first reported cases of silicone plate haptic intraocular lens managed with scleral suture repositioning.

Pupillary capture following sutureless scleral-fixated intraocular lens in children with Marfan syndrome.

To compare the clinical outcomes between two approaches for sutureless scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SFIOL) in children with Marfan syndrome (MFS). The study included 15 children (26 eyes) with lens subluxation due to MFS. These children underwent lensectomy, anterior vitrectomy, and sutureless SFIOL. According to the position of placement of intraocular lens (IOL) haptics, two study groups were reviewed for best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and postoperative complications: group A, 14 eyes with haptics fixated at 2.0 mm from the limbus; group B, 12 eyes with the haptics fixated at 2.5 mm from the limbus. The mean axial length for all patients was 25.66±2.35 mm. Postoperative BCVA in logMAR were significant improved in both groups (0.77±0.32 to 0.17±0.12 in group A, 0.66±0.25 to 0.24±0.12 in group B, both P<0.001) while no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). Pupillary capture was main postoperative complication, occurring between 3d and 18mo. It occurred in 7 eyes in group A and one eye in group B (P=0.02). Sutureless SFIOL is an effective treatment approach for lens subluxation in children with MFS. Pupillary capture is the main postoperative complication. Fixated IOL haptics at 2.5 mm from the limbus can reduce the occurrence of pupillary capture.

An Electrocoagulation Fixation Technique for One-Piece Intraocular Lens Scleral Flapless Fixation With Sutures Without Knots.

To present an electrocoagulation fixation technique for one-piece intraocular lens (IOL) scleral flapless fixation with sutures without knots. First of all, after repeated tests and comparisons, we chose 8-0 polypropylene suture as the material for electrocoagulation fixation of one-piece IOL haptics because of its proper elasticity and size. A transscleral tunnel puncture at the pars plana was performed using an arc-shaped needle with 8-0 polypropylene suture. The suture was subsequently guided out of the corneal incision by a 1-mL syringe needle and then guided by the needle into the inferior haptics of the IOL. The suture was cut off and heated into a shape of a probe with a spherical tip using a monopolar coagulation device to prevent slippage from the haptics. In the end, 10 eyes underwent our new surgical procedures, and the average operation time was 42.5 ± 12.4 minutes. At the 6-month follow-up, seven of 10 eyes achieved significant vision improvement and nine of 10 kept the implanted one-piece IOL stable in the ciliary sulcus. No serious intraoperative/postoperative complications were observed. The electrocoagulation fixation was a safe and effective alternative technique for previously implanted one-piece IOL scleral flapless fixation with sutures without knots.

A 27-GAUGE TROCAR-ASSISTED INTRASCLERAL INTRAOCULAR LENS FIXATION TECHNIQUE USING A SILICONE MICROTUBE.

This study aimed to describe a novel technique to facilitate intrascleral fixation of the intraocular lens (IOL). Two 27-gauge trocars were placed at an angle of 180° and a distance of 2 mm from the corneal limbus. A silicone microtube with an external diameter of 0.2 mm was introduced through a sclerocorneal incision and withdrawn via a trocar using retinal forceps. The tips of the IOL haptics were connected to the microtube. After the implantation of the IOL into the chamber, the haptics were externalized through the scleral site by pulling the microtubes. Each tip of the haptics was flanged and buried into the scleral tunnel. The IOL was successfully placed with this method without any complications. This study presented a novel technique for intrascleral IOL fixation using a silicone microtube. We believe that our technique might increase surgical safety and help decrease the operative time for both anterior and posterior segment techniques.

Influence of a Capsular Tension Ring on Capsular Bag Behavior of a Plate Haptic Intraocular Lens: An Intraindividual Randomized Trial

PurposeTo evaluate the influence of a capsular tension ring (CTR) on rotational stability, decentration, tilt and axial stability of a 11.0mm plate haptic intraocular lens (IOL) DesignIntraindividual, randomized, double masked, controlled, clinical trial. ParticipantsPatients scheduled for sequential same day bilateral cataract surgery. MethodsAll patients were randomized to receive a CTR and a plate haptic IOL in one eye and a plate haptic IOL in the fellow eye only. IOL axis assessment was performed at the end of surgery (EOS), 1 hour (1h), 1 week (1w), 1 month (1m) and 6 months (6m) using a high precision evaluation method. Decentration and tilt of the crystalline and pseudophakic lenses were assessed preoperatively, at 1w and 6m using an anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT). Main outcome measuresRotational stability from EOS to 6m and at all follow up visits. Decentration and tilt at 6m. Differences in axial shift between 1w and 6m. ResultsOne hundred and thirty eyes of 65 patients were included in the study. Absolute rotation from EOS to 6m was 2.8°±3.9° and 3.2°±5.3° for the CTR and control groups, respectively (p=0.613). IOL decentration and IOL tilt at 6m were 0.29±0.1mm and 0.24±0.1mm and 6.7°±2.8° and 5.6°±1.6° for the CTR and control groups, respectively (p=0.058, p<0.01). A posterior IOL shift of 0.31±0.31 mm and 0.19±0.14 mm was observed in the CTR and control groups, respectively. ConclusionsConcomitant implantation of a CTR and a plate haptic IOL did not improve the overall rotational stability of the IOL compared to the control group. A negative effect of the CTR on decentration, tilt and axial stability was observed. The simultaneous use of a CTR and a plate haptic IOL in the absence of zonular weakness at the time of cataract surgery should be considered with caution.

Rotational stability of plate haptic toric intraocular lenses after combined 25-gauge vitrectomy and cataract surgery.

To evaluate the postoperative intraocular lens (IOL) rotational stability and residual refractive astigmatism following combined 25-gauge vitrectomy and cataract surgery with implantation of a plate haptic toric IOL. In this retrospective case series, 32 eyes of 32 patients underwent a combined 25-gauge vitrectomy and phacoemulsification for vitreoretinal diseases and cataract with regular corneal astigmatism of at least 1 diopter (D). A plate haptic toric IOL (AT Torbi 709M, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) was implanted in all eyes. The outcome measures were rotational stability and refractive astigmatism up to 6mo postoperatively as well as the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Preoperative refractive astigmatism was 2.14±1.17 D, which was significantly reduced to 0.77±0.37 D six to eight weeks postoperatively and remained stable throughout the observation period (0.67±0.44 D at three months and 0.75±0.25 D at six months; for all groups: P<0.0001 compared to baseline). BCVA improved significantly from 0.36±0.33 logMAR preoperatively to 0.10±0.15 logMAR following surgery (P=0.02). Mean IOL axis deviation from the target axis was 3.4°±2.9° after six to eight weeks and significantly decreased over time (2.4°±2.6° six months after surgery; P=0.04). In one patient IOL, re-alignment was performed. Corneal astigmatism is significantly reduced following combined 25-gauge vitrectomy and cataract surgery. The plate haptic toric IOL position and axis remain stable during the observation period of six months.

Size variability and fitting of 30-gauge thin-wall needles and 3-piece intraocular lens haptics for the flanged intrascleral fixation technique.

To assess the diameter of different 30-gauge thin-wall needles and 3-piece intraocular lens (IOL) haptics readily used for the flanged-haptic intrascleral fixation technique. Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria. Laboratory investigation. 5 30-gauge thin-wall needles and 5 3-piece IOLs were assessed. An upright light microscopy was used for measurements. The inner and outer diameters of the needles and the end thickness of the haptics were analyzed and compared for haptic fitting into the needle. Among the needles, the inner diameter of the T-lab needle was significantly wider compared with all the others (mean 209.3 ± 8.0 μm, P < .001), followed by TSK (194.8 ± 5.0 μm), MST (194.7 ± 5.8 μm), Sterimedix (187.5 ± 9.0 μm) and significantly narrower Meso-relle (mean 178.7 ± 7.0 μm, P < .05). The outer diameter of the T-lab needle was significantly larger of all (mean 316.0 ± 2.0 μm, P < .001). Concerning the IOLs, the AvanseePreset Kowa's haptic was significantly thinner (mean 127.2 ± 0.7 μm) than all the others, such as the TecnisZA900 Johnson & Johnson (143.5 ± 3.1 μm), the CTLucia202 Zeiss (143.8 ± 1.3 μm), and the AcrysofMA60AC Alcon (143.9 ± 1.4 μm). The only haptic that was thicker than all the others assessed was that of SensarAR40 Johnson & Johnson (170.7 ± 1.7 μm, P < .001). Most of the analyzed haptics would fit into most of the measured needles, with the exception of the Sensar AR40 in combination with the Meso-relle or Sterimedix needles. The combination of a larger needle lumen and a thinner haptic could result in more ease of insertion during surgery. If the dimensions of the needle and IOL haptics used are unknown, we recommend trying insertion before beginning surgery.

My X-nit.

The X-nit needle by "Aurolab" uses a 26-g needle, while in this technique, a 30-g needle is used, thus reducing the incision size and relevant complications. In this technique, glue or end-gripping forceps are not used, thus making it hassle free and more economical. There is no dependency on assistant; because of using 30 g needle, bleeding is minimal and wound healing is faster. A 30-g needle is bent at 3/4-1/4 junction (from the tip) and a piece of 240 silicon band is inserted into the needle to be used as a stopper. After completing vitrectomy, a 1.5-mm marking is done perpendicular to the limbus at 3'o clock and 9'o clock positions. Another marking is done 1.5 mm away from the first mark parallel to the limbus. A 30-g needle is inserted into partial-thickness sclera from the second mark toward the first marking, thus making a tunnel. The needle is penetrated into the sclera to enter in the vitreous cavity. The needle is then progressed toward the anterior vitreous cavity and brought out through the lip of previously made scleral tunnel in the superior quadrant. The tip of leading haptic of three-piece intraocular lens (IOL) is fed into the tip of needle and gradually, the needle is withdrawn. As soon as the tip of needle is visualized, the piece of band is gradually slipped into the haptic and the needle freed from the haptic. In a similar fashion, the trailing haptic is withdrawn from the opposite side. The bands are removed and the haptics are adjusted by pulling or pushing to centralize the IOL in the pupillary axis. Haptics are trimmed and ends are cauterized to make them blunt. Tunnel and conjunctiva are sutured with one or two (8-0) absorbable Vicryl sutures. The 25-g ports are removed and no suturing of ports is done. It is a minimally invasive and glueless technique in which end-gripping forceps is not used. So, it is very economical with faster wound healing and minimal bleeding and no post-op hypotony. Since the temporal scleral flaps are not made and 30 g needle is used so minimal invasive. Astigmatiam induced by scleral tunnel is seen i;e about 0.75- 1.15 D of cylinder. https://youtu.be/1msuS5KySOk.

Clinical and laboratory studies on the effects of capsular tension ring on surgical outcomes of trifocal intraocular lens implantation

To assess the influence of capsular tension ring (CTR) on surgical outcomes of trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. Sugita Eye Clinic, Tokyo, and University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. Prospective, randomized, paired-eye clinical study and laboratory study. In the clinical study involving 44 eyes of 22 patients with no risk of zonular instability, 1 eye received IOL alone and the contralateral eye received IOL with CTR. Preoperative capsular bag diameter and postoperative IOL tilt/decentration were measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. In the laboratory study, IOL and CTR were implanted into an artificial capsular bag of 10 mm in diameter, and IOL centration was evaluated. Throughout the 12-month follow-up period, there was no significant difference in refractive and visual outcomes between groups. The amount of IOL decentration was significantly larger in eyes with CTR than in eyes without CTR at 12 months postoperatively (P = .037). There was a significant negative correlation between capsular bag diameter and the amount of IOL decentration in eyes with CTR (P = .038), but not in eyes without CTR (P = .873). The laboratory study indicated that interference between CTR eyelets and IOL haptics significantly increased IOL decentration (P < .001). The use of CTR did not affect refractive and visual outcomes of trifocal IOL implantation in eyes without the risk of zonular weakness. CTR coimplantation increased IOL decentration possibly due to the interference between CTR eyelets and IOL haptics.