Preoperative assessment of secondary intraocular lens implantation for aphakia: a comparison of 2 techniques

PURPOSE: To compare the preoperative evaluation of secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in aphakic adults following cataract extraction in childhood using slitlamp examination and high-frequency ultrasound (HFU). METHODS: In a prospective case series, patients who had had lensectomies for congenital cataracts without primary implantation IOL were evaluated for secondary IOL insertion. Slitlamp examination and HFU were performed to study the degree of ciliary sulcus support and iridocapsular adhesions. The choice of IOL (posterior sulcus supported or anterior chamber) was compared using the 2 techniques. RESULTS: Nine eyes of 5 patients (3 men and 2 women aged 15 to 40 years) were assessed for secondary IOL insertion. Clinical slitlamp examination suggested that 3 of 9 eyes had inadequate sulcociliary support, but HFU of these eyes revealed more than adequate capsular remnants. In all 9 eyes, sulcus-supported posterior chamber IOLs were implanted. No postoperative complications were observed, and no patients required surgery for dislocated IOL. CONCLUSIONS: High-frequency ultrasound is a useful adjunct for the preoperative assessment of secondary ciliary sulcus-supported IOL implantation in aphakic patients who had congenital cataract extraction without IOL implantation. In patients in whom inadequate dilation precludes the detection of capsular support, posterior ciliary sulcus-supported secondary IOL implantation should be considered preoperatively. Although the technique enhances surgical planning and informed patient consent, the final decision occurs at the time of surgery with direct visualization of the ciliary sulcus support.     

Spontaneous late dislocation of intraocular lens within the capsular bag in pseudoexfoliation patients

PURPOSE: To identify a delayed complication of cataract surgery in patients with zonular weakness caused by pseudoexfoliation syndrome. DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Eight eyes in seven patients with clinically diagnosed pseudoexfoliation syndrome who had undergone previous uncomplicated cataract extraction and placement of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. METHODS: This study evaluated eight cases of late spontaneous dislocation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses within the capsular bag in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Data were gathered retrospectively from patients' operative reports, medical records, and pathology reports. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Interval between original surgery and dislocation; (2) final best-corrected visual acuity and ocular outcome. RESULTS: All patients had a diagnosis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome and had previously undergone uncomplicated cataract surgery. No patient had any other predisposing factors that would lead to zonular dehiscence or weakness. Delayed dislocation of the entire capsular bag containing the intraocular lens (IOL) occurred spontaneously in all cases. Mean time from IOL implantation to dislocation was approximately 85 months (7 years and 1 month; range, 57-115 months) after surgery. Seven eyes were treated successfully with IOL exchange: six with placement of an anterior chamber IOL and one with scleral fixation of a posterior chamber IOL. The remaining case was treated by scleral fixation of the dislocated IOL. Gross pathology analysis of seven cases confirmed the presence of the IOL within the intact capsular bag. Six eyes have achieved final best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better. CONCLUSION: Patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome may be at risk for delayed spontaneous dislocation of IOL within the capsular bag after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Awareness of this newly recognized long-term complication may justify a reevaluation of surgical considerations for cataract removal in these patients.     

Posterior chamber lens implantation techniques in posterior capsular rupture

PURPOSE: To evaluate posterior chamber lens implantation techniques and their results in patients in whom posterior capsular rupture and zonular dialysis arose during cataract operation. METHODS: Forty-three cataractous eyes of 43 consecutive patients with complicated cataract operations such as posterior capsular rupture or zonular dialysis were accepted into this prospective study between November 1999 and January 2001. Intraocular lens implantation to ciliary sulcus was achieved without sutures in 19 cases (Group 1), with one suture from 12 o'clock quadrant in 14 cases (Group 2), and with two sutures from 3 to 9 o'clock quadrants in 10 cases (Group 3). Patients were followed up for 3 months after operation and evaluated for best-corrected visual acuity, refractive astigmatism, corneal edema, anterior chamber depth and inflammation, synechia at angle, intraocular pressure, lens tilt and decentration, intraocular hemorrhage, cystoid macular edema, and retinal detachment. RESULTS: There was no difference among groups in best-corrected visual acuity, refractive astigmatism, corneal edema, anterior chamber depth and inflammation, intraocular pressure, lens tilt and decentration, cystoid macular edema, or retinal detachment. Anterior chamber and vitreous hemorrhage and peripheral anterior synechia were significantly higher in Group 3 when compared with Group 1 (p = 0.009, p = 0.009, and p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In all cases with posterior capsular rupture and zonular dialysis, different posterior chamber lens implantation techniques could be performed, beginning with the least invasive procedure suitable for the conditions with the least complications.     

Long-term results of implantation of posterior chamber intraocular lens by suture fixation

We reviewed the long-term results of implantation of posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) by suture fixation in 23 patients without zonular or capsular support. In terms of preoperative state, 15 were aphakic, 5 had cataracts and 3 were aphakic with concurrent corneal opacity. The latter had penetrating keratoplasty as well at the time of surgery. They were followed up for more than 1 year, and the best corrected vision remained the same or improved in all cases after surgery. The transscleral suture fixation-related complications included vitreous hemorrhage, hyphema and retinal detachment.     

Neue Hinterkammerlinse zur sulkusgestützten und nahtlos irisfixierten Implantation in aphake Augen ohne Kapselstrukturen

PURPOSE: To avoid anterior chamber lens implantation in aphakic eyes without capsular or zonular support, the laborious scleral fixation of a standard posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) is widely used, despite a large range of possible complications (macular edema, IOL tilt/decentration, suture erosion, vitreous hemorrhage). A sutureless iris-fixed ciliary sulcus implantation of a posterior chamber IOL (Binder-IOL, Fa. Iolution, Itzehoe) designed especially for such cases represents an alternative. METHOD: At the end of both haptics of this IOL, with a 6 mm optic zone, a T-shaped anchor is mounted at an angle of 45 degrees from the optical plane. These anchors are inserted from behind the iris into peripheral iridotomies performed preoperatively with a YAG-laser or intraoperatively with a vitrectomy cutter. The long, C-shaped haptics are thus secured in the ciliary sulcus. RESULTS: After slight modification of the technique, the implantation can be performed securely and reproducibly. In the 22 implantations performed to date, the IOL was well centered and stable, even in cases with only residual iris stroma. If the iridotomies are been performed too centrally, an ovalisation of the pupil may occur. No further side effects have been observed. CONCLUSION: The technique of sutureless sulcus fixation presented here leads to less complications than scleral suture fixation. A prerequisite for safe implantation of the anchors is good visibility of the peripheral iris. The implantation of the Binder-IOL is especially suitable for aphakic eyes with a loosened iris diaphragm.     

Scleral fixated (sutured) posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in children.

BACKGROUND: Optical rehabilitation of unilateral aphakia in eyes with no capsular support is problematic in pediatric patients who cannot tolerate contact lenses. Possible options include a unilateral aphakic spectacle, an anterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL), or a scleral fixated posterior chamber IOL. Of these choices the posterior chamber IOL is the most physiologic. Experience in adults shows increased complications with this technique. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to report the short-term results and complications of unilateral scleral fixated posterior chamber IOLs in the pediatric population. METHODS: All patients with scleral fixated lenses younger than 16 years were retrospectively reviewed. Nine patients aged 12 months to 15 years underwent unilateral scleral fixated posterior chamber lens implantation using buried polypropylene fixation sutures. Follow-up averaged 24 months. RESULTS: Postoperative visual acuity improved in all patients. Refractive goals were achieved in all but 1 patient. Complications included elevated intraocular pressure controlled with medications (1 patient), anterior uveitis (1 patient), and mild IOL decentration (1 patient). CONCLUSIONS: Although short-term visual results appear encouraging, this procedure is technically more difficult and has an increased incidence of postoperative complications when compared with secondary sulcus-fixated IOLs supported by capsular remnants. Caution should be exercised when recommending this procedure for pediatric patients because long-term risks are unknown.     

晶状体囊袋张力环在晶状体悬韧带断裂的白内障手术中的应用

目的　评价晶状体囊袋张力环 (capsulartensionring ,CTR)在晶状体悬韧带断裂的白内障手术中的应用。方法　对 11例 ( 11只眼 )外伤性晶状体悬韧带部分断裂的患者行白内障手术 ,术中连续环形撕囊后植入CTR ,然后行白内障摘除及后房型人工晶状体囊袋内植入。结果　 11只眼的人工晶状体均处于正位 ,无倾斜及明显偏位。术后 1个月矫正视力 0 4者 4只眼、0 5～ 0 8者 5只眼、>0 8者 2只眼。 1只眼因CTR直径过大 ,可见CTR 2个端口重叠。除白内障手术固有的并发症外 ,未见CTR引起其他并发症。结论　对晶状体悬韧带断裂的白内障患者术中应用CTR ,可利于术中操作 ,防止术后人工晶状体偏位的发生 ,并且有助于患者视力恢复 ;CRT是一种有效的白内障手术辅助工具。     

后房型人工晶状体缝线固定术后并发症的临床观察

目的：探讨后房型人工晶状体睫状沟缝线固定术在白内障术中韧带断裂及后囊破裂后人工晶状体二期植入,外伤性白内障、晶状体脱位等无晶状体后囊膜术眼中的应用及术后并发症。

方法：选取我科2007-02/2012-11 采用后房型人工晶状体缝线固定术患者31例32眼,均获得较满意的效果。

结果：术后随访3mo～1a,矫正视力>0.5者9眼(28%); 0.1～0.5者17眼(53%); <0.1者6眼(19%)。出现术中睫状体穿刺口出血、术后角膜水肿、角膜散光、悬吊线松弛断裂、人工晶状体偏位等主要并发症。

结论：后房型人工晶状体缝线固定术是目前无后囊或后囊膜晶状体悬韧带大范围缺损的手术首选,但还有许多手术并发症有待进一步解决。     

先天性白内障二期后房人工晶状体植入不同技术方法的探讨

目的探讨分析先天性白内障二期后房型人工晶状体植入术的不同技术方法、效果及可能出现的并发症。方法对27例(36眼)已行先天性白内障摘除的无晶状体眼患儿行二期后房型人工晶状体植入术,包括眼前节重建、后囊膜撕开或切开、前部玻璃体切除及人工晶状体缝线固定等技术。术后观察分析视力、人工晶状体及后囊膜情况及其他并发症。结果术后第3天视力>0.5者8眼,0.5以下者28眼;术后1个月矫正视力>0.5者12眼,0.5以下者24眼;术后3个月矫正视力>0.5者17眼,0.5以下者19眼。术后1个月发现残留后囊膜混浊10例,人工晶状体前纤维膜2例,人工晶状体位置良好,无夹持或脱位。观察6个月,无眼后节并发症,但屈光度的变化尚需长期观察。结论二期后房型人工晶状体植入术是治疗2岁以上儿童无晶状体眼的最佳方法,需要熟练掌握处理复杂情况的显微手术技巧和经验。     

Anterior chamber fixation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens: A novel technique

We aimed to evaluate the implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) in the anterior chamber (AC) with the haptics passing through two iridectomies to the posterior chamber. A total of 33 eyes of 33 patients with inadequate posterior capsular support due to either previous aphakia or posterior capsular rupture during cataract extraction were included in the study. A double iridectomy was performed on all patients using a vitrectomy probe on the midperiphery of the iris. IOLs were implanted in the AC, and the haptics were passed through the iridectomies to the posterior chamber. The mean follow-up time was 25.3 months. AC hemorrhage occurred in five patients during the iridectomy procedure. Corneal edema was detected in eight of 14 patients with primary IOL insertions. Haptic dislocation was detected in only one patient. This technique may be a good alternative to scleral-fixated IOL implantation in eyes with aphakia.     

Intra-ocular lens implantation in children

Intra-ocular lens (IOL) implantation in a growing eye of a young child brings several problems unique to this age group. Better understanding of the rate of refractive growth in children's pseudophakic eyes may help predicting future refractions in these eyes more accurately. Opacification of the posterior capsule, if remained intact, interferes with visual rehabilitation in children. Primary posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy provides the clarity of visual axis. Optical rehabilitation of children with unilateral aphakia is usually problematic. Posterior chamber IOLs are preferred to anterior-chamber IOLs for secondary implantation. In the absence of adequate capsular support and contact lens intolerance, a scleral-fixated IOL can be implanted. Scleral fixation of a posterior chamber IOL has encouraging short-term results but the long-term risks are not known yet. Intra-ocular lens implantation in infants is associated with major complications and is not recommended at present. The occurrence of open angle glaucoma is a sight-threatening late complication of pediatric cataract surgery. Intra-ocular lens implantation plays a protective role against aphakic glaucoma in children.     

Intercapsular cataract surgery with lens epithelial cell removal. Part IV: Capsular fibrosis induced by poly(methyl methacrylate)

Characteristic lens epithelial cell behavior in the pseudophakic eye was examined by comparing 30 eyes that had extracapsular cataract surgery by the intercapsular technique and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with lens epithelial cell removal but without anterior capsule capsulectomy and nine aphakic eyes that had the same procedure but without posterior chamber lens implantation over a mean follow-up period of 30 and 23 months, respectively. Fibrous anterior capsule opacification was observed in 83% of the pseudophakic eyes in the area of contact with the IOL, while the region beyond the margin of the IOL remained transparent. Fibrous anterior capsular opacification was not noted in the aphakic eyes. This suggests that the IOL material, poly(methyl methacrylate), stimulates lens epithelial cells to undergo fibrous metaplasia and to produce collagen fibers. Various cytokines such as IL-1 and TGF-beta synthesized by lens epithelial cells may play a crucial role as mediators in the process. We recommend that this effect be considered as a parameter of biocompatibility in developing and evaluating new biomaterials.     

Foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in the absence of capsular and zonular support

PURPOSE: To implant foldable posterior chamber intraocular lenses in the absence of capsular and zonular support. METHODS: Case reports. In two patients, two eyes with aphakia, lack of capsular or zonular support, and contact lens intolerance underwent the implantation of a silicone and an acrylic foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens, respectively. RESULTS: In the two eyes, final visual acuity was 20/25 and 20/50, respectively. No intraoperative vitreal, retinal, or choroidal complications were noted. The postoperative recovery was rapid, and there was minimal induced astigmatism. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of foldable posterior chamber intraocular lenses in aphakic eyes without capsular and zonular support may result in fewer intraoperative complications. It also allows for faster postoperative recovery and less postoperative astigmatism.     

A modified iris repair technique and capsular tension ring insertion in a patient with coloboma with cataracts

PURPOSE: We describe our successful experience using a capsular tension ring (CTR) and iris repair during cataract surgery in a patient with bilateral coloboma. METHODS: A 67-year-old woman had no history of trauma, but had zonular deficiency and inferonasal iris defects in both eyes. An extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) scleral fixation was performed in the left eye. A CTR was implanted in the right eye through a sclerocorneal incision. After the IOL was placed centrally in the capsular bag, two paracenteses were made at the limbus (5 o'clock and 7 o'clock). A long, straight needle was passed through the 7 o'clock paracentesis site into a angled, blunt tipped 27 gauge needle inserted from the 5 o'clock paracentesis. The two needles were pulled out at 5 o'clock. After inserting the long needle into the blunt tipped needle at 7 o'clock, both were passed back through the 7 o'clock paracentesis site. The needles were pulled out again at the 5 o'clock paracentesis site tied. Equal tension was used to tie both sides. RESULTS: Visual acuity improved to 20/20 in the right eye. CONCLUSIONS: Both capsular tension ring implantation and iris repair was successfully performed at the time of cataract surgery in a coloboma patient, which resulted in improvements in visual function and cosmesis.     

The capsular tension ring: designs, applications, and techniques

Originally, the open poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) capsular tension ring (CTR) was designed to compensate for zonular defects or to stretch the posterior capsule in highly myopic eyes not receiving an intraocular lens (IOL). We address the variety of subsequent designs, applications, and techniques that have evolved. With pre-existing or intraoperative zonular defects, a standard CTR may be inserted before or at any time during cataract removal to maintain or re-establish an extended capsular diaphragm. For profound zonular dialysis or weakness, a CTR was designed for scleral fixation. Capsular tension rings with integrated tinted sector shields have been developed to compensate for sector iris colobomas or aniridia. The CTR has also been used as a measuring gauge for in vivo quantification of capsule dimensions and postoperative capsular shrinkage. The CTR has improved control during primary posterior capsulorhexis and prevented oval distortion along the lens axis postoperatively. During combined cataract and vitreous surgery, a CTR prevents capsule damage and provides undisturbed peripheral visualization before IOL implantation. Capsular tension rings may also influence capsule opacification formation. A special band-shaped CTR with sharp edges was developed to inhibit lens epithelial cell migration and avoid capsulorhexis-optic contact.     

囊袋内白内障摘出及人工晶状体植入术的临床分析

探讨囊袋内白内障摘出及人工晶状体植入术的手术方式，术后并发症及优点，方法６０例白内障行开信封式前囊截开，囊袋内白内障摘出及人工晶状体植入术。结果７８眼中７６眼人工晶状体固定在囊袋内，２眼因后囊破裂，行睫状沟固定人工晶状体植入。     

Techniques of intraocular lens suspension in the absence of capsular/zonular support

Implantation of intraocular lenses has become the standard of care in the aphakic state. Ideally, the lens is placed in the capsular bag, which affords stable fixation at a position closest to the nodal point of the eye. However, there will always be instances where this will not be possible. Congenital weakness of the lens zonules in various conditions, trauma, and surgical complications of cataract surgery are just some examples. In this article, we review the methods that have been devised to allow intraocular lens implantation in the absence of capsular or zonular support. These include anterior chamber angle and iris-fixated lenses, as well as posterior chamber iris- and scleral-sutured lenses. The various lenses are described, and the techniques involved, advantages and disadvantages, complications, and results of each method are discussed. It is hoped that this article will provide a comprehensive overview of ways to deal with a problem that can still result in a very good visual outcome for the patient. This is particularly relevant given the many recent developments and refinements of methods in implanting intraocular lenses.     

Artisan lens implantation to correct aphakia after vitrectomy for retained nuclear lens fragments

PURPOSE: To report the results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for retained lens fragments with implantation of an Artisan intraocular lens (IOL) (Ophtec) to correct aphakia. SETTING: University-based referral center. METHODS: In this retrospective case-controlled study, patients who had had a PPV to remove dislocated lens fragments and implantation of an Artisan IOL for pseudophakic correction during initial cataract surgery or PPV were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were identified. The preoperative visual acuity was better than 20/200 in 5 patients and the intraocular pressure (IOP) was higher than 21 mm Hg in 8 patients; 3 patients had normal corneas. In 4 patients, an Artisan IOL was implanted during cataract surgery. Postoperative complications included recurrent erosion (1 eye), premacular fibrosis (2 eyes), and a retinal tear (1 eye). Elevation of the IOP occurred in 2 patients and was controllable with medication. Pupillary block developed in 1 patient and persistent cystoid macular edema in another. All but 2 patients gained more than 2 lines of visual acuity postoperatively, and all corneas remained clear during the follow-up (mean 28.9 months; range 2.5 to 69.0 months). CONCLUSIONS: After the removal of dislocated lens fragments with a PPV, Artisan IOL implantation in aphakic patients without capsule support led to few complications and good visual acuity. Placement of an Artisan IOL requires fewer manipulations than transscleral suture fixation of a posterior chamber IOL.     

Ocular implantation and exfoliative syndrome

Operative difficulties and post operative complications after posterior chamber lens implantation are described in 27 eyes with exfoliation syndrome, 8 simple exfoliation syndromes and 19 capsular glaucoma. 14 eyes were operated on by extracapsular extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation in the capsular bag; 13 eyes had extracapsular cataract implantation combined with trabeculectomy. Operative difficulties were due to bad mydriasis and zonular laxity. There was no zonular dialysis. Post-operative visual acuity was between 20/40 and 20/20 in 70% of the cases. There was nos lens luxation. Intercapsular implantation is possible without great risk. The risk of zonular rupture occurs principally during extracapsular extraction. Implants 4 to 12 times Lighter than a cataract human lens do not seem to be dangerous when there is no peroperative zonular rupture.     

Management of large traumatic zonular dialysis with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation using the capsular tension ring

PURPOSE: To report our results and to evaluate the longterm effect of capsular tension ring (CTR) insertion in eyes with large traumatic zonular dialysis that underwent phacoemulsification with posterior chamber (PC) intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. METHODS: This prospective study included 17 eyes of 17 consecutive patients with cataract and large traumatic zonular dialysis (range 80-160 degrees determined pre-or intraoperatively). After insertion of a CTR, phacoemulsification with foldable acrylic PC IOL implantation was performed. Posterior capsule rupture, vitreous loss, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) in the pre- and postoperative periods and postoperative IOL decentration were recorded. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 25.9 months (range 15-35 months). Capsule collapse did not occur in any eye with a CTR. Postoperatively, four eyes developed raised IOP that responded well to medical therapy. An improvement in BCVA was observed in all eyes except one because of co-existing fundus pathology. No IOL was found to be decentrated at the end of the follow-up period, apart from one eye in which the PC IOL was dislocated due to a postoperative trauma, in which an anterior chamber IOL was implanted. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of cataract associated with large traumatic zonular dialysis, implanting a CTR before or during phacoemulsification with an in-the-bag PC IOL is relatively safe technique with a high success rate. The CTR was found to be efficient in preventing IOL decentration in eyes with traumatic zonular deficiency.