Transscleral fixation of a single-piece hydrophilic foldable acrylic intraocular lens

Background: To evaluate the results of transscleral fixation of foldable hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs). Methods: Twenty eyes of 16 patients, aphakic after phacoemulsification (PE) surgery and with at least 6 months follow-up, were included in the study. All eyes were implanted with single-piece hydrophilic foldable acrylic lenses by transscleral fixation, either with PE surgery (2 eyes) or secondarily. Results: Follow-up was 11.6 months (SD 4.85, range 6-20 mo). Age was 62.3 years (SD 12.95, range 18-78 y); 10 patients were women. Preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.20 (SD 0.14, range 0.1-0.3) in eyes with primary IOL implantation and 0.53 (SD 0.12, range 0.3-0.7) in secondary implantation. Astigmatism was 1.4 D (SD 1.19, range 0.25 to 5.0 D). Postoperatively, transient corneal edema developed in 6 eyes (30%) and transient IOP elevation in 2 eyes (10%). BCVA was 0.69 (SD 0.15, range 0.4-0.9), astigmatism was 0.84 D (SD 0.80, range 0.25 to 3.0 D), both p < 0.01. Spherical refractive error was -0.38 D (SD 0.47, range +0.75 to -1.25 D). Cystoid macular edema was observed in 2 eyes (10%). No IOL decentration was observed on biomicroscopy in any eye with undilated pupil; IOL decentration with no effect on vision was observed in 3 eyes (15%) after pupil dilation. No IOL tilt, retinal detachment, suture exposure, or endophthalmitis was observed. Interpretation: scleral fixation of foldable IOLs may be preferred in eyes with insufficient zonular and capsular support. This technique reduces surgery time and complications, and it provides early visual rehabilitation.