Modified cow-hitch suture fixation of transscleral sutured posterior chamber intraocular lenses: long-term safety and efficacy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of a new technique using a modified cow-hitch knot for transscleral suture fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs). SETTING: Public hospital in Brisbane, Australia. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of consecutive patients who had transscleral sutured PC IOL implantation from March 2000 to June 2006 using the new technique, which was modified to eliminate free suture ends and minimize the risk for knot slippage. Data collected included demographic data, ocular history, preoperative and final best corrected visual acuities (BCVAs), preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Eighty-two eyes of 79 patients (51 men, 28 women) with a mean age of 62.5 years+/-18.9 (SD) were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 22.9+/-21.2 months (range 5 to 76 months). The BCVA was 20/40 or better in 45 eyes (54.9%) and 20/200 or worse in 10 eyes (12.2%). The final BCVA was largely determined by the preoperative underlying ocular pathology. Postoperative complications included temporary increased IOP in 14 eyes (17.1%), escalated glaucoma in 7 eyes (8.5%), temporary hypotony in 7 eyes (8.5%), and retinal detachment, hyphema, and irregular astigmatism in 1 eye (1.2%) each. The PC IOLs remained well centered and without tilt in all eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The technique provided excellent PC IOL centration in the presence of no adequate capsule support. It was effective and safe for transscleral suturing of PC IOLs.