Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of iris fixation of subluxated intraocular lenses (IOLs).
Methods: A retrospective study of 44 consecutive cases of subluxated IOLs that underwent iris fixation of the IOL. Demographic information, data regarding surgery, and follow-up were retrieved from patient files. All eyes were operated on in a similar fashion by the same anterior segment surgeon (A.M.) utilizing the McCannel suture technique and/or the Siepser slipknot technique. The main outcome measures were visual acuity improvement, surgically induced astigmatism, and assessment of complications.
Results: Ten eyes had a documented complication during primary cataract extraction. Pseudoexfoliation was present in 11 eyes (25 %). History of ocular trauma and high myopia were present in six eyes (each). Excluding eyes with macular disease and very low visual acuity, visual acuity improved from 0.4 (± 0.05) logMAR to 0.24 (± 0.05) logMAR (p = 0.047). Eyes with low pre-operative astigmatism did not worsen post-operatively (R square linear = 0.8, p < 0.01). Pupil ovalization was a major aesthetic complication (21 of 44 eyes). Major hemorrhagic complications were uncommon. One patient developed intermediate uveitis 1 year after IOL fixation.
Conclusions: In this study of 44 eyes, iris fixation was proven to be a an effective method for treating subluxated IOLs.