title: Comparison of sutured versus sutureless scleral-fixated intraocular lenses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the intermediate-term anatomic and visual results of scleral-fixated intraocular lens (IOL) implantation using 4-point suture fixation or transscleral sutureless fixation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary referral eye care center in South India.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records of consecutive patients who had scleral-fixated IOL surgery from January 1, 2010, to March 31, 2014, with more than 1 year of follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Indication for scleral-fixated IOL implantation was aphakia after cataract extraction or trauma. The surgical technique was based on individual surgeon preference. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), previous surgery, type of trauma, surgical technique, and complications were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred nine cases were analyzed. The mean follow-up was 18.9 months ± 8.7 (SD). The majority of eyes experienced an improvement in UDVA after surgery; 93 eyes (86%) had a Snellen equivalent corrected distance visual acuity of 6/12 or better. The baseline characteristics and final visual outcomes in the sutured scleral-fixated IOL group (n = 52) and sutureless scleral-fixated IOL group (n = 59) were comparable. Patients with previous trauma (n = 52) were predominantly men and were significantly younger than those in the cataract group. The visual and refractive outcomes were comparable between eyes with previous trauma and eyes with previous cataract surgery. Transient cystoid macular edema was the most common complication (12%); retinal detachment occurred in 5 cases (4.5%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Scleral-fixated IOLs provided excellent visual rehabilitation of aphakic eyes without capsular support. The sutured technique and sutureless technique appear to be equally good in eyes with aphakia after cataract surgery or trauma.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
authors.affiliation: From Vitreoretina Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Thavalakuppam, Pondicherry, India. Electronic address: mdsindal@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Manavi D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Sindal
authors.affiliation: From Vitreoretina Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Thavalakuppam, Pondicherry, India.
authors.forename: Chinmay P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Nakhwa
authors.affiliation: From Vitreoretina Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Thavalakuppam, Pondicherry, India.
authors.forename: Sabyasachi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sengupta
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001036:Aphakia, Postcataract / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D019591:Pseudophakia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*