Implantation of scleral fixated sutured posterior chamber lenses: a retrospective analysis of 119 cases.
BACKGROUND
The implantation of scleral fixated sutured posterior chamber lenses enables lens implantation in the absence of adequate lens capsule support. Anterior chamber lenses and their side effects can also be avoided, particularly in cases of unilateral aphakia and contact lens incompatibility.


METHODS
This study is a retrospective analysis of 119 scleral fixated sutured posterior chamber lenses implanted in 115 patients. Seventy-nine cases of damaged zonula or damaged lens capsule and 17 cases of corneal decompensation secondary to anterior chamber lenses were the main indications for the suture fixation. The mean follow-up was 23 months (6-83 months).


RESULTS
In 50% of all cases, improved visual acuity was achieved. Twenty-four percent of patients showed unchanged visual acuity, while 26% had poorer vision postoperatively, mainly because of corneal decompensation following anterior chamber lens explantation. The main postoperative complication was transient rise of intraocular pressure, occurring in 44% of the cases.


CONCLUSIONS
In most cases improved or comparable postoperative visual acuity was achieved. The main complication observed was postoperative glaucoma, especially in patients with pre-existing glaucoma.
Krause
Lothar
L
Department of Ophthalmology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany. lothar.krause@charite.de
Bechrakis
Nikolaos E
NE
Heimann
Heinrich
H
Salditt
Stefan
S
Foerster
Michael H
MH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001035:Aphakia / Q000601:surgery; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000009:adverse effects; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000601:surgery*; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000379:methods*; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D014792:Visual Acuity; D055815:Young Adult