[Haptic position of iris-fixed posterior chamber lenses. Determination by ultrasound biomicroscopy].
In eyes lacking adequate posterior capsular support, fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (IOL) by iris sutures has become one of the methods available. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) allows detection of the haptic position postoperatively and determination of its relationship to adjacent intraocular structures.


METHODS
Thirteen patients with iris-sutured IOLs were examined pre- and postoperatively with UBM. The examination included locating the haptic and tracing the haptic to the position closest to other uveal structures.


RESULTS
The position of all 26 haptics was determined. All haptics were in touch with the iris. In the 12-clock position 11 haptics did not touch other intraocular structures. In one case the haptic was located in the ciliary sulcus, and in another case it touched the ciliary body. In the 6-clock position two haptics were located in the sulcus region, and seven were located posterior to the ciliary processes. Four haptics did not touch any other intraocular structures.


CONCLUSIONS
In most cases surgical placement of iris-fixed lenses is a blind procedure. UBM is an adequate method of determining the position of IOL haptics postoperatively.
Walther
J
J
Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Friedrich Schiller-Universität Jena.
Blum
M
M
Strobel
J
J
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007498:Iris / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography