External transscleral posterior chamber lens fixation

A. Shapiro and M. M. Leen
Department of Ophthalmology, Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

To avoid the complications associated with anterior chamber intraocular lenses and iris-fixated posterior chamber lenses when challenged with inadequate capsular or zonular support, we have developed a new method of measured external transscleral suture fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses within the ciliary sulcus. This technique differs from most current techniques of transscleral fixation, which involve passing needles through the corneoscleral wound into the ciliary sulcus without direct visualization and out through the sclera. Our technique offers a more predictable placement of suture within the ciliary sulcus and avoids damage to corneal endothelium, ciliary body, or other ocular structures.