Scleral Tunnel Research Articles

Use of double short tandem scleral tunnels for repairing eroded ahmed glaucoma valve tubes

PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a method for repairing an eroded Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) tube using two short scleral tunnels made in tandem with a 22G needle instead of covering the eroded tube with another scleral graft.MethodsFrom May 12, 2015, to July 27, 2019, we retrospectively reviewed eight patients at Ningbo Aier Eye Hospital who developed AGV tube erosion secondary to necrosis of their overlying conjunctiva and scleral grafts. This defect was repaired in all the patients using the double short tandem scleral tunnel technique, which involved the creation of double short tandem scleral tunnels made by a 22G needle. Two parallel-to-limbus scleral incisions were made 3 mm and 6 mm from the limbus first, then a curved 22G needle was inserted between the two scleral cuts to make one scleral tunnel, the other scleral tunnel was completed during the first surgery, inserted the tube into the two tunnels. The mean length of time between the AGV placement and the first erosion was 12.25 ± 6.36 months (3–24 months). The mean age of the patients was 65.50 ± 11.70 years (49–78 years).ResultsThe surgical outcome was assessed in terms of the tectonic integrity of the conjunctiva over the follow-up period (12 months). There was no AGV tube erosion, scleral thinning, or ocular infection after a mean of 41.25 ± 26.54 months of follow-up in all eight patients.ConclusionAGV tube erosion following shunt surgery can be successfully managed using the improved double short tandem scleral tunnel technique.

Visual Prognosis Following Cataract Surgery in Highly Myopic Patients with Prior History of Verisyse Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the visual outcomes and prognosis after cataract surgery in patients with prior history of Verisyse phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) implantation. Methods: A retrospective cohort study involving 215 Verisyse pIOL implantations and 17 explantations was conducted. The Verisyse pIOL was disenclaved and removed through a superior scleral tunnel incision. Cataract extraction with phacoemulsification was then performed through a temporal clear corneal incision. Results: An occurrence rate of 7.9% of eyes with cataract formation was found. Both uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected visual acuity (CDVA) three months after cataract surgery were significantly improved (0.24 ± 0.30 vs. 0.73 ± 0.48; p < 0.001 and 0.10 ± 0.14 vs. 0.30 ± 0.31; p = 0.004, respectively). The UDVA was 20/20 or better in 41% of eyes and 20/40 or better in 65% of eyes. The CDVA was 20/20 or better in 53% of eyes and 20/40 or better in 88% of eyes. The safety and efficacy indices were 1.96 ± 1.68 and 1.60 ± 1.36, respectively. Conclusions: Various complications including cataracts may develop in these patients. Verisyse pIOLs have a lower incidence of cataract formation and are more likely to lead to age-related cataracts rather than the anterior subcapsular cataracts commonly seen in implantable collamer lens (ICL) patients. Patients with a prior history of Verisyse pIOL can expect to have a good visual prognosis after cataract extraction.

Trocar-assisted extraocular technique for intrascleral intraocular lens fixation using a 90°-curved forceps: a modified extraocular forceps-guided technique.

To investigate the surgical outcomes of intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation using a modified extraocular forceps-guided technique. Retrospective case series. Overall, 81 eyes of 78 patients who underwent intrascleral IOL fixation using the modified extraocular forceps-guided technique were included. The procedure entailed creating 2 scleral half-layer T-shaped incisions perpendicular to the main incision and forming a scleral tunnel. A 25-gauge trocar was inserted at the lower end of the T-shaped incision to perform vitrectomy. A 27-gauge needle was inserted from the left-hand port, and the leading haptic was inserted into the needle lumen. After removal of the right-hand trocar, a 90°-curved intrascleral fixation forceps was inserted into the eye, exposing the tip at the main incision, thus allowing the tip of the extraocular trailing haptic to be gripped and both haptics to be pulled out. The left-hand trocar was removed, and the haptics were buried in the scleral tunnel. The surgical outcomes of this technique were retrospectively evaluated on the basis of the medical records. The induction of haptics was successful in all cases. The preoperative best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.35±0.68 to 0.12±0.36 logMAR postoperatively (P<0.01). The refractive error was -0.27±0.87 D; IOL decentration, 0.39±0.18 mm; IOL tilt, 5.97±2.65°; IOL astigmatism, 0.35±0.36 D; and corneal endothelial cell loss, 10.3±12.7%. There were no serious complications related to the surgical technique. The modified extraocular forceps-guided technique allows for safe and straightforward induction of the trailing haptics and enables the performance of intrascleral IOL fixation with minimal scleral incisions.

Cross-Sectional Survey of Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship Training in Secondary Intraocular Lens Placement.

Purpose: To assess current trends in vitreoretinal surgical fellowship training for placement of secondary intraocular lenses (IOLs). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to vitreoretinal surgical fellowship graduates who completed their program between 2019 and 2023. Results: Completed responses were obtained from 70 (22.5%) of 311 eligible recipients. Training settings included academic (80%), hybrid academic/private practice (15%), and private practice (5%). During their fellowship, the majority of respondents reported 10 or fewer cases using anterior chamber (AC) IOLs (69%), 5 to 50 cases using scleral-sutured IOLs (64%), and 5 to 25 cases using sutureless scleral-fixated IOLs (52%). Most fellows (79%) did not have exposure to iris-fixated IOL placement during fellowship training. The Akreos AO60 (78%) and Envista MX60 (10%) IOLs were the most common choice for scleral-sutured placement. Most fellows (67%) placed fewer than 10 secondary IOLs through scleral tunnels. Overall, scleral-sutured IOL placement (Akreos Gore-Tex [polytetrafluoroethylene] sutured, 49%) and scleral-fixated IOLs (modified Yamane, 45%) were the preferred and most comfortable surgical techniques for recent graduates after completing training. There was a significant association between surgical case volume during fellowship training and self-reported competency for each type of secondary IOL (P ≤ .005). Conclusions: The majority of vitreoretinal surgical fellows receive limited training in the placement of AC IOLs or construction of scleral tunnels during their fellowship. Aligned with their experience during fellowship, recent graduates generally prefer implanting scleral-fixated or scleral-sutured IOLs. Analysis of trainees' exposure to various techniques and postgraduate surgical preferences may identify areas for improvement in surgical education.

Triple tunnel and triple intraocular lenses (IOL): Modified scleral fixated IOL in a case of double dislocated IOL

Abstract We present a challenging case of a 60-year-old female who underwent cataract surgery in the right eye (RE) 10 years back. On presentation, visual acuity in RE with aphakic correction was 6/18, and the patient had a superior corneal scar with iris incarceration. Fundus examination revealed an attached retina and healthy optic nerve head with two dislocated rigid intraocular lenses (IOLs). The patient underwent vitrectomy with temporal scleral tunnel for explanting the IOLs. The same tunnel was used for scleral fixation of IOL whose haptics were buried into two opposite-facing scleral partial thickness scleral tunnels made at 12 and 6 o’clock. Thus, we describe a newer technique of sutureless scleral fixated IOL where scleral pockets are used for fixating three-piece IOL without the use of any suture, glue, or specialized IOL.

Comparison of Surgically Induced Astigmatism Following Manual Sics: Superior and Temporal Approach

Aim: The operable cataract cases in the developing world is high compared to the cataract surgical rate, and economical and effective methods are required to deal with this curable blindness, in order to provide the highest achievable uncorrected distance visual acuity. This study aimed to compare the surgically induced corneal astigmatism in patients undergoing manual small incision cataract surgery by superior (s-MSICS) and temporal (t-MSICS) scleral tunnel incisions. Methods: Prospective, interventional cases series of 60 eyes of 60 patients. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), mean keratometry (KMean) and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) were the main outcome measures which were compared between the two groups, s-MSICS and t-MSICS. Results: The mean patient age was 58.60 ± 7.11 years and 59.63 ± 8.39 years in the s-MSICS and t-MSICS groups respectively. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) on day 90 was 0.27 ± 0.14 logMAR in the s-MSICS group and 0.18 ± 0.16 logMAR in the t-MSICS group (p=0.05). At the final assessment s-MSICS had 1.43 ± 0.99D of SIA and t-MSICS had 0.76 ± 0.66D of SIA (p=0.02). Four patients in the s-MSICS group and 25 patients in the t-MSICS group had WTR astigmatism (p&lt;0.001). Likewise, there were 26 cases of ATR and one case of ATR in the s-MSICS and t-MSICS respectively (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: In this prospective study, t-MSICS had significantly lesser surgically induced astigmatism than s-MSICS. The temporal incision decreased against the rule astigmatism, as well, which is the astigmatism prevalent in the adult population.

Impact of scleral tunnel length on the position of intraocular lenses in flanged intrascleral haptic fixation.

To investigate the effect of scleral tunnel length on the effective lens position and tilt of the intraocular lens (IOL) in flanged intrascleral haptic fixation (ISHF) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Tertiary institution. Retrospective case-control study. This study included 55 and 42 eyes that underwent ISHF with 1.0 and 2.0 mm scleral tunnels, respectively. 23 eyes that underwent sutured fixation were used as a control. The anterior chamber depth (ACD), scleral tunnel length, incident angle of haptic, and tilting of optic were analyzed using AS-OCT. The mean postoperative ACD, vertical tilt angle, and spherical equivalent of the 1.0 mm were 5.27 ± 0.39 mm, 6.04 ± 4.87 degrees, and 0.38 ± 1.03 diopters, respectively. The ACD and vertical tilt angle of the 1.0 mm were larger than those of the others ( P < .001 and P < .05, respectively), and the postoperative spherical equivalent was more hyperopic ( P < .05). The 2.0 mm exhibited a lower frequency of tilting greater than 7 degrees. The intereye difference in ACD between in-the-bag fixation and ISHF of the 1.0 mm tunnel was significantly greater than that in the 2.0 mm tunnel ( P < .05). The 1.0 mm tunnel had a significantly larger incident angle and a longer tunnel length ( P < .001, respectively) and showed a greater difference in the tunnel length on both sides ( P < .05). A shorter tunnel yielded a more unstable IOL position, greater variation in angle and tunnel length, and longer ACD during ISHF. An exact 2.0 mm tunnel must be created on both sides to achieve a stable and predictable IOL position.

Corneal astigmatism induced by scleral small incision versus corneal tunnel incision in children after cataract surgery

Background The amount of postoperative astigmatism is an important factor in the development of amblyopia in children. Early postoperative astigmatism is of concern since amblyopia treatment is usually initiated as soon as possible after cataract surgery, and precise optical correction of astigmatism is needed to maximize visual improvement. Small-incision cataract surgery is preferred by some pediatric ophthalmologists, as it reduces corneal scarring and this reduces the incidence of irregular astigmatism. Also, it is very useful in cases with micro cornea and cases with low endothelial count. However, it has many disadvantages such as increased risk of bleeding, slower visual recovery, hyphemia from scleral vessels, and postoperative surgically induced astigmatism. Aim To assess corneal astigmatism induced by scleral tunnel small incision versus corneal tunnel incision after cataract surgery in children. Patients and methods The study was a prospective study and included 30 eyes of 30 children with cataract from the outpatient clinic of the ophthalmology department of Tanta University in the period between December 2021 to July 2022. Results There was an insignificant difference between the small incision and corneal tunnel incision as regard K1 and K2 prereadings, after 2 weeks, after 6 weeks, and after 3 months of readings. Conclusion We think that both corneal tunnel and scleral tunnel are stigmatically neutral in pediatric cataract surgery.

Fusion-Flanged Intrascleral Intraocular Lens Fixation Technique: Simple, Safe, Efficient.

To develop a new, sutureless intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation technique based on the Yamane double-needle and Canabrava 4-flanged techniques. The Fusion-Flanged technique involves using a 7-0 polypropylene suture loop threaded through the eyelets of the IOL. Afterward, both ends of the suture are passed outside the eye through a 27-gauge needle. This technique creates a single flange by joining the 2 suture ends through handheld cautery, and this flange is then embedded into the scleral tunnel to securely fix the IOL in place. This technique was performed on a total of 7 aphakic patients. Four of them had encountered complications following manual small incision cataract surgery, while the remaining 3 experienced complications after phacoemulsification. The results indicated a significant improvement in visual acuity, with mean preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuities of 0.77 ± 0.11 and 0.27 ± 0.08 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] units), respectively. The Fusion-Flanged intrascleral IOL fixation technique offers improvements in simplicity, safety, and the overall efficiency when compared to existing sutureless intrascleral fixation techniques. Notably, this technique is versatile and can be applied to both non-foldable and foldable IOLs.

New approach to AGV implantation with scleral tunnel method by prolene suture: Şimşek Technique.

To present the short-term outcomes of our novel technique, the suture-assisted method, in long scleral tunnel Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation. This retrospective study included glaucoma patients who underwent AGV implantation using the suture-assisted long scleral tunnel method and were fellowed for at least 6 months between January 2022 and November 2022. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior and posterior segment examinations, anti-glaucomatous medications, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were also evaluated. Eight eyes of seven patients were included in the study. The mean age was 52.25 ± 29.38 years (r:8-76 years), and there were 5 female and 2 male patients. The mean follow-up duration period was 8.62 ± 2.50 months (r:6-12 months). The mean IOP was 27.12 ± 3.48 mmHg preoperatively and 11.62 ± 3.48 mmHg on postoperative on 1st day, 11.62 ± 3.20 mmHg at 1st week, 18.75 ± 8.94 mmHg at 1st month, 16.62 ± 2.72 mmHg at 3rd month, 16.12 ± 3.75 mmHg at 6th month. Postoperative hyphema was observed in one eye, and tenon cyst excision was performed in two eyes. No tube exposure was observed in any eye during the follow-up period. No hypotony-related complications were observed during follow-up. We believe that suture-asissted application of the long scleral tunnel method not only prevents tube exposure but also facilitates the passage of the AGV silicone tube through the scleral tunnel, reducing the surgical time contributing to a decreased the risk of infection.

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.

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

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). 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. 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). 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.

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.

Efficacy of drainage implants in combined cataract and glaucoma surgery

This study evaluates the hypotensive effect and visual function outcomes of combined surgery for complicated cataract and glaucoma using the mesh drain made of digeland the xenocollagen drain. Patients in Group 1 (n=43; 48.3%) underwent combined cataract and glaucoma surgery with implantation of the digel drainage implant, while patients in Group 2 (n=46; 51.7%) underwent an identical operation with the xenocollagen implant. Preoperative tonometric pressure was 27.2±1.7 and 27.3±1.9 mm Hg; best corrected visual acuity was 0.35±0.21 and 0.33±0.18, respectively. The following surgical technique was employed. At 3.0-4.0 mm from the limbus, an intrascleral tunnel was created using a 2.2 mm sclerotome through the conjunctiva in the anteroposterior direction, exiting into the anterior chamber. Capsulorhexis and phacoaspiration were performed. The scleral tunnel was widened to 3 mm, and the intraocular lens was implanted. Penetrating basal coloboma of the iris was formed. The deep flap of the scleral tunnel was dissected from the flat part of the ciliary body and removed. The digel implant was shaped into a T-configuration, while the xenocollagen implant was used without modification. Each drainage was implanted into the intrascleral tunnel (one end directed into the anterior chamber, the other exiting the scleral tunnel). The conjunctiva was sutured with 10/0 stitches, and the paracenteses were hydrated. Over a 24-month follow-up period, the tonometric intraocular pressure in Groups 1 and 2 was 18.8 and 18.5 mm Hg, respectively, and the best corrected visual acuity was 0.51 and 0.58. The use of both drainages in the proposed combined surgery for complicated cataract and glaucoma results in similarly stable hypotensive outcomes and high visual function.

Needle track technique in strabismus surgery

Aims/Purpose: Scleral perforation during the passage of suture needle is a known complication of strabismus surgery.[1–4] The present study was conducted as a pilot study to evolve a safe and easy technique of passing the suture needle through the sclera. A scleral tunnel was created with a 26‐guage needle through which the suture needle was passed.Methods: After taking clearance from the Institutional Ethics Committee, an interventional study was carried out on twenty consenting patients. A tunnel through approximately half the thickness of the sclera was created with the help of a bent 26‐gauge needle. The suture needle was then passed through this tunnel. Rest of the steps of the surgery were carried out in the conventional manner. In a control group of same number of patients, the surgery was performed in the conventional method. Both the groups were followed up for any complications. Ease of passing suture and surgeons' satisfaction with the technique was noted on a 5‐point Likert scale.Results: None of the patients in either group suffered from any complications. Four surgeons participated in the study. The average Likert scale score of the surgeons for satisfaction with the technique was 5 on a scale of 5. The score for ease of passage of suture needle was 5 on a score of 5.Conclusions: The needle track is an easy technique to perform which eases the passage of suture needle through the sclera. This will increase the confidence of Ophthalmologists, specially the residents in performing strabismus surgery.

Fluocinolone acetonide implant scleral fixation for cystoid macular edema in eyes with iris–lens diaphragm disruption

Abstract This is a two-center, case series of three patients with postoperative refractory cystoid macular edema (CME) and disruption of the iris–lens diaphragm, submitted to scleral fixation of fluocinolone acetonide implant. All patients achieved successful CME reduction with visual acuity improvement. The surgical procedure was uneventful in all cases; however, one patient developed hypotony with leakage from the scleral tunnel, which was successfully resolved with reinforcement of the suture and injection of viscoelastics in the anterior chamber. No case of implant migration was observed and patients did not report any visual field disturbances. Our results emphasize this surgical technique as an effective and safe procedure for patients with persistent CME and disruption of the iris–lens diaphragm.

Nonsuperotemporal quadrant implantation of the Ahmed glaucoma valve using modified long scleral tunnel technique for intraocular pressure control.

As superotemporal implantation of the Ahmed glaucoma valve is not always feasible in cases of refractory glaucoma, this study examined the characteristics and surgical outcomes of cases in which the valve was implanted in a nonsuperotemporal quadrant using a modified long scleral tunnel technique. This retrospective case-control study included 37 eyes with nonsuperotemporal quadrant--Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in Group 1 and 69 eyes with superotemporal Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in Group 2. The demographic characteristics of these groups, surgical outcomes, including complications, further surgical interventions, and surgical success rates were compared. Surgical success was defined as an intraocular pressure not exceeding 21 mmHg, accompanied by a minimum reduction of 20% in intraocular pressure from the baseline without any additional intraocular pressure-lowering procedures, and the absence of light perception loss or phthisis bulbi. Group 1 had significantly higher numbers of eyes with secondary glaucoma and preoperative surgical procedures than Group 2 (p<0.05). Both groups had mean preoperative intraocular pressure values, and mean intraocular pressure values at the last visit of 34.2 and 27.9 months, 35.5 ± 1.5 and 35.8 ± 1.2 mmHg, and 14.5 ± 5 and 14.9 mmHg, respectively. Although both groups had 70.2% and 75.8% as their five-year cumulative probability of success, respectively, the rates of complications, revisional surgery, and additional surgical procedures did not differ significantly (p>0.05). The modified long scleral tunnel technique for Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in nonsuperotemporal quadrants achieves intraocular pressure control and complication rates comparable to superotemporal implantation.

Two-way adjustable double-knots intrascleral fixation and single sclerotomy looping technique: a novel minimal invasive adjustable intraocular lens fixation technique

BackgroundIOL fixation without capsular support presents challenges for surgeons. Although innovative techniques were developed to address subluxated IOLs, adjustable IOL fixation methods are seldom reported. We introduce a novel two-way adjustable double-knots intrascleral fixation combined with single sclerotomy looping technique for fixing intraocular lenses (IOL) or IOL-capsular bags.MethodsA bent 30-gauge needle threaded with 8 − 0 polypropylene was introduced into the eye. A gripping forceps assisted the haptic looping. Two overhand knots were made with 8 − 0 polypropylene thread. The knots were incarcerated into a scleral tunnel made by a 30-gauge needle, with two ends of the thread left at each side of the tunnel. The IOL was adjusted to the premium position with adequate tension by pulling either end of the threads. The study included 19 eyes with aphakia, subluxated IOL-capsular bags, or subluxated crystalline lenses. The mean followed up period was 18.9 ± 7.1 months with evaluations of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), intraocular pressure, slit-lamp examination, and swept-source optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment.ResultsUCVA increased from 1.28 ± 0.74 at baseline to 0.44 ± 0.51 (logMAR) at final visit (P < 0.001). All IOLs were fixed well-centered. The mean IOL tilt was 3.5°±1.1°. Postoperative complications included transient IOP elevation (15.8%), hypotony (10.5%), and cystoid edema (5.3%) which resolved within 4 weeks.ConclusionsWe presented a novel adjustable technique for IOL fixation, which stabilize IOLs by using an intrascleral double-knots structure. This technique minimized surgical manipulations by using a single sclerotomy looping technique without large conjunctival dissection and scleral flap creation. The technique offers a reliable and optimal IOL positioning and improved visual outcomes in patients undergoing scleral fixed IOL implantation.

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.

Epidermal inclusion cyst after uneventful small incision cataract surgery: A diagnostic dilemma

Conjunctival cysts are not so uncommon after surgical procedures. They are usually benign in nature and are filled with serous material and mucous. They may be congenital or acquired in origin. Acquired cysts are mostly seen after ocular surgery and trauma. Hereby, we report two cases of conjunctival inclusion cysts following uneventful manual small incision cataract surgery in two elderly females. Both cases were treated by cyst excision and suturing of the scleral tunnel with interrupted sutures was done. An unstable scleral wound may be a contributory factor in the formation of cysts. Hence, we conclude that closure of the scleral tunnel with overlying tenon and conjunctival apposition is a critical step in controlling such complications of cataract surgery.