Combined Intracapsular Lens Removal and Scleral Fixation of Intraocular Lenses Through the Same Scleral Tunnel in Cases with Severely Dislocated Lenses

INTRODUCTION: The management of severely dislocated lenses floating in the anterior vitreous is challenging. This study describes the clinical outcome of a surgical approach with intracapsular lens extraction (ICCE) and implantation of a scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens (SF-IOL) at the same surgical session.

METHODS: Records of patients who had severely dislocated lenses were retrospectively reviewed. All included patients had undergone ICCE, followed by implantation of an SF-IOL during the same surgical session through the same scleral tunnel placed 1.5 mm posterior to the limbus. Clinical characteristics of the patients were collected, and surgical videos were watched again to review intraoperative complications.

RESULTS: Thirty eyes of 30 patients (mean age, 68±11.1 years, 23 male, 7 female) were included in the study. Twenty-five patients had a history of blunt trauma, and five patients had pseudoexfoliation syndrome. The best-corrected visual acuity of the patient improved significantly after the procedure (p=0.001). The intraocular pressure of the patients remained unchanged (p=0.38). Three patients developed mild IOL dislocation that did not require any intervention. A patient developed transient hypotony, and another developed mild vitreous hemorrhage. These complications improved spontaneously without the need for further intervention.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Simultaneous removal of dislocated lens and SF-IOL implantation through the same scleral tunnel was a safe and effective procedure for patients with severely dislocated IOLs.