Abstract
Purpose
To describe a modified technique of haptic externalization for trocar-based sutureless scleral fixation of intraocular lenses, in order to avoid working with forceps in the iris plane in a manner that may be unfamiliar to the vitreoretinal surgeon.
Methods
This prospective, interventional case series included four eyes of four patients with dislocated intraocular lens (IOL). The modified haptic externalization technique avoids the pitfalls of iris-plane maneuvers by intentionally dropping the IOL onto the retina and using the forceps to grasp the tips of the haptics prior to direct externalization from the same grab.
Results
Four patients underwent scleral fixation of IOL using modified haptic externalization technique. One patient was lost to follow up after postoperative day 1. At the last follow up, all eyes demonstrated stability and good centration of scleral fixated IOL. All three patients achieved a best corrected visual acuity same or better compared to before the operation. One patient developed vitreous hemorrhage which later spontaneously resolved.
Conclusions
The modified haptic externalization technique is a simple and quick modification using maneuvers familiar to vitreoretinal surgeons. It has demonstrated safety among a small pilot group of patients.
1
Introduction
Since its description by Gabor and Pavlidis, sutureless scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) techniques have undergone numerous modifications, with improvement in intraoperative safety and efficiency. Using instruments familiar to vitreoretinal surgeons, Prasad described a technique of creating scleral tunnels using the vitrectomy trocar-cannula system. This technique was later popularized in the United States by Abbey and Williams, whose results demonstrated similar outcomes between the trocar-based technique and the traditional scleral tunnel approach. Later, Yamane described a flanged haptic technique that prevents the haptic from sliding back into the vitreous cavity causing dislocation. This advancement further improved the stability of scleral-fixated IOLs.
One of the most challenging and time-consuming steps in the learning curve of sutureless scleral fixation of IOLs is haptic externalization. Many of the described methods involve grabbing the haptic tip at or near the iris plane prior to externalization. Working with forceps in this plane may be unfamiliar to the vitreoretinal surgeon and often leads to distortion of the cornea and/or gaping of any clear cornea or scleral tunnel wound. This can cause compromised visualization and even iris prolapse. In addition, methods such as the “handshake” maneuver (whereby a haptic is passed from forceps in one hand to forceps in the contralateral hand prior to externalization) require two forceps, which add cost to the operation. Herein, we introduce a modification of the trocar-based sutureless scleral fixation technique in which haptic work at the iris plane is replaced with maneuvers more familiar to vitreoretinal surgeons.
2
Materials and methods
Placement of a three-port 25-gauge trocar-cannula system is first conducted in the usual manner for vitreoretinal surgeries. The infusion line cannula is placed inferotemporally, and the two cannulas for working instruments are placed superotemporally and superonasally. All three of these cannulas are moved closer to the horizontal meridian than is typically done to allow sufficient space for the two haptic externalization cannulas at 6 and 12 o’clock. A complete pars plana vitrectomy is then performed with careful attention paid to vitreous base shaving. If the vitreous base is not sufficiently shaved, the haptics may get caught in vitreous during the later externalization steps. Removing any residual lens capsule at this time is also helpful to prevent haptic incarceration in capsule. A toric marker is then used to mark the limbus at 6 and 12 o’clock. Aiming for an acute angle approximately 30° to the ocular surface, a 27-gauge trocar-cannula is inserted in a clockwise direction at 6 o’clock parallel to and 2.5–3 mm posterior to the limbus ( Fig. 1 A). This creates a scleral tunnel 2–3 mm in length inferiorly. The trocar is removed, leaving the cannula in place. A second trocar-cannula system is placed in the same manner, creating a second scleral tunnel exactly 180° away, at the previously marked 12 o’clock location ( Fig. 1 B). Clockwise entry of both the 6 and 12 o’clock haptic externalization cannulas allows for proper IOL orientation.
Next, a scleral tunnel is created superotemporally to allow insertion of a three-piece intraocular lens (IOL). The authors prefer a scleral tunnel wound, though a clear corneal incision could be considered if it is necessary to minimize scleral and conjunctival involvement. When the IOL is inserted, it is intentionally dropped onto the posterior pole of the retina. It is important for the IOL to be oriented in the correct “Z” orientation at this step. If in the “S” orientation, it should be flipped. Using a non-contact viewing system or other standard method for intraoperative visualization of vitreoretinal surgery, a pair of 27-gauge serrated forceps is inserted through the 6 o’clock 27-gauge cannula and used to grasp the tip of either IOL haptic ( Fig. 2 A). The haptic is then externalized directly from this grab without any work in the iris plane. Before pulling the haptic out of the eye, the cannula is gently pulled back over the forceps shaft ( Fig. 2 B). This seats the haptic in a tight scleral tunnel as it is externalized. Thermal cautery is applied to the tip of the externalized haptic, creating a flange for securement. The haptic can then be pushed back into the scleral tunnel so that the flange sits flush with the sclera. The non-contact viewing system is then used to visualize the trailing second haptic, which is now hanging in the middle of the vitreous cavity and well-presented for the second forceps grab. The same 27-gauge serrated forceps is then inserted through the 12 o’clock 27-gauge cannula and used to grasp the tip of the second haptic ( Fig. 2 C). This trailing haptic is then externalized and cauterized in the same manner ( Fig. 2 D). If needed, additional cautery can be applied to one or both haptics to optimize IOL centration. A complete demonstration of the modified technique for lens implantation and fixation can be seen in the attached video.
