A meta-analysis of sutureless scleral-fixated intraocular lens versus retropupillary iris claw intraocular lens for the management of aphakia.

This study compared the visual outcomes and complications between sutureless scleral-fixated intraocular lens and iris claw intraocular lens implantation in aphakia without adequate capsule and/or zonule support. Studies comparing the clinical outcomes of scleral-fixated intraocular lens and iris claw intraocular lens implantation published until April 2022 were retrieved from the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. The outcomes included postoperative final visual acuity, surgical time, surgery-induced astigmatism, and complications. The weighted mean difference and odds ratio were calculated. Two randomized controlled trials and five cohort studies, including 244 and 290 eyes in the scleral-fixated intraocular lens group and iris claw group, respectively, were included. Scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation results in a better postoperative final corrected distance visual acuity compared with iris claw intraocular lens implantation; however, it is more time-consuming. Scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation seems to have lesser incidences of surgery-induced astigmatism. Furthermore, both procedures have a similar complication rate. Therefore, based on current best evidence, these two procedures should be considered according to patient's conditions.

Sutureless intrascleral intraocular lens fixation and modified iris cerclage pupilloplasty for aphakia and traumatic mydriasis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sutureless intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation combined with modified iris cerclage pupilloplasty for treating aphakia and traumatic mydriasis. METHODS: Five patients with aphakia and traumatic mydriasis were operated on by the same surgeon. All patients underwent sutureless intrascleral IOL fixation combined with modified iris cerclage pupilloplasty and were followed up for ≥6 months. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured using the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). BCVA, intraocular pressure (IOP), pupil diameter, and corneal endothelial cell count (CECC) preoperatively and postoperatively were statistically analyzed. The pupil shape, photophobia, IOL position, and surgical complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean BCVA was significantly improved 6 months postoperatively (0.26 ± 0.17 logMAR, P = 0.042) than preoperatively (0.50 ± 0.30 logMAR). No significant difference was observed between the preoperative and postoperative IOP (P = 0.138). The mean pupil diameter significantly reduced postoperatively than preoperatively (3.44 ± 0.35 mm vs. 7.28 ± 0.35 mm, P = 0.043). There was no significant decrease in CECC postoperatively (P = 0.225). The pupil shape was round-like, and photophobia disappeared in all patients. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Sutureless intrascleral IOL fixation combined with modified iris cerclage pupilloplasty is a safe and efficient procedure for treating aphakia traumatic mydriasis patients without sufficient capsular support.

Effect of sutureless scleral fixed intraocular lens implantation on aphakic eyes: a system review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sutureless scleral fixed intraocular lens implantation (SF-IOL) has become one of the mainstream schemes in clinical treatment of aphakic eyes because of its advantages, such as avoiding dislocation of intraocular lens or subluxation caused by suture degradation or fracture and significant improvement of postoperative visual acuity. However, a consensus on the relative effectiveness and safety of this operation and other methods is still lacking. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of sutureless SF-IOL with other methods. Aphakia means that the lens leaves the normal position and loses its original function, including absence or complete dislocation and subluxation of the lens which could cause anisometropic amblyopia, strabismus, and loss of binocular function in children and adolescents. For adults, the loss of the lens could lead to high hyperopia and affect vision. Above all this disease can seriously affect the quality of life of patients. METHODS: Literature about sutureless SF-IOL in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Technical Journal VIP database, and Wanfang database published from 2000 to 2022 was reviewed. The weighted average difference was calculated by RevMan5.3 software for analysis. Two researchers independently selected the study and used the Cochrane collaboration tool to assess the risk of errors. Cochrane bias risk tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022363282). RESULTS: The postoperative IOL-related astigmatism of sutureless SF-IOL was lower than that of suture SF-IOL, and there was statistical difference when we compared the absolute postoperative spherical equivalent after sutureless SF-IOL and suture SF-IOL. Indicating that the degree of refractive error after sutureless SF-IOL was lower. Meanwhile, the operation time of sutureless SF-IOL was shorter than that of suture SF-IOL. The subgroup analysis showed that the absolute postoperative spherical equivalent and astigmatism values in Yamane technique were lower than those in suture SF-IOL. CONCLUSION: Sutureless SF-IOL has the advantages of stable refraction, short operation time, and less postoperative complications. However, high-quality literature to compare these technologies is lacking. Some long-term follow-up longitudinal prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Risk Factors for Fibrous Ingrowth in Eyes Requiring Primary Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to define risks for corneal transplantation associated with fibrous ingrowth among first-time transplant recipients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case-control study of patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of fibrous ingrowth between 2002 and 2019. Patients with fibrous ingrowth from a first corneal specimen were included. Those with incomplete records were excluded. A 1:2 case-control ratio was used. Controls were matched using surgical indication, surgery year, transplantation method, sex, and age. RESULTS: Seventy-eight eyes (76 patients) were included and matched with 160 control eyes. The incidence of fibrous ingrowth found on a first corneal transplant was 0.6% per year. The most common keratoplasty indications were pseudophakic corneal edema (n = 25, 32%) and aphakic corneal edema (n = 15, 19%). Cases were more likely to have a history of ocular trauma (odds ratio [OR], 2.94; 95% CI, 1.30-6.30; P = 0.007), uveitis (OR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.12-6.63; P = 0.022), retinal detachment or previous retinal surgery (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.34-4.30; P = 0.003), glaucoma tube-shunt surgery (OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.29-5.65; P = 0.007), aphakia (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.61-5.67; P = 0.0004), or iris derangement (OR, 10.52; 95% CI, 5.45-20.30; P <0.0001). A multivariate logistic regression model using iris derangement, history of ocular trauma, history of uveitis, and history of cataract surgery demonstrated 81% sensitivity and 66% specificity in predicting presence of fibrous ingrowth. CONCLUSIONS: A history of ocular trauma, uveitis, retinal detachment or previous retinal surgery, glaucoma tube-shunt surgery, aphakia, and iris derangement are risks for detecting fibrous ingrowth among first-time keratoplasty recipients. Patients with these conditions should be monitored closely for corneal decompensation.

4-Flanged intrascleral fixation of an intraocular lens through the dialing hole.

The high prevalence of mature, hypermature, and traumatic cataracts in developing countries, combined with the limited availability of surgical resources and skill by anterior segment surgeons to manage the resultant aphakia, leaves the patient needlessly blind. Relying on posterior segment surgeons, expensive surgical setup, and appropriate lenses for aphakia management limits the number of patients receiving a secondary intraocular lens (IOL). Utilizing the well-acknowledged flanging technique and the readily available polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) lenses with dialing holes in their optic, a hammock can be created through the dialing holes using a 7-0 polypropylene suture on a straight needle. This 4-flanged scleral fixation through the dialing hole of an IOL makes scleral fixation of PMMA lens possible by even anterior segment surgeons without requiring any specialized equipment or scleral fixated lens with eyelet. This technique was successfully performed in a series of 103 cases with no incidence of IOL decentration.

Preferred surgical techniques for secondary intraocular lens implantation in adults with aphakia.

AIM: To identify the current surgical management of aphakia and the outcomes and complications of each technique. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included ophthalmic surgeons with at least one-year experience in surgery for aphakia. A study questionnaire was formulated to collect data in Saudi Arabia and other regional countries. The questionnaire included 22 questions on demographics, preferred surgical techniques, complications and the factors related to surgeon decision and the choice for managing aphakia. RESULTS: The study included 145 participants (111; 76.6% were males) with mean age of 46.7 ± 11.5 years. The mean duration of cataract surgery experience was 17.6 ± 11.1 years. Most participants (86.2%) were trained in cataract surgery. Scleral fixation of intraocular lens (SFIOL) was the most commonly preferred technique, followed by iris fixation IOL, and anterior chamber IOL (75.2%, 9%, and 15.9%, respectively). The main determinants for selection of a surgical technique were simplicity (56.6%), surgical instrument availability (48.3%), and training on the technique (47.6%). The most frequent postoperative complications were pupil distortion, high intraocular pressure (IOP), pupillary capture of the IOL, and IOL decentration. CONCLUSIONS: SFIOL is the preferred surgical technique for managing aphakia. The decision to choose one technique over another is complex and is based on several factors, including technical difficulty, previous training, anatomical variations, ocular comorbidities, and the potential complications. The most frequent complications after surgical correction of aphakia are pupil distortion, high IOP, pupillary capture of the IOL, and decentered IOLs.

"To Fulfill two needs with one deed": Iris fixation of intraocular lens using four-throw pupilloplasty.

Background: Pupil distortion and aphakia are common complications that follow blunt injury of the eye globe, surgical complications, and iris coloboma. Patients with these two complications complain of severe glare and photophobia even after successful intraocular lens (IOL) implantation like scleral fixation of intraocular lens (SFIOL) due to irregular pupil. To overcome this, we prefer to do pupilloplasty along with IOL implantation. Purpose: In this video, we demonstrate iris fixation of IOL using four-throw pupilloplasty; thus with one surgical technique, both pupilloplasty and iris fixation are done. Synopsis: The technique of an IOL implantation without capsular support can be challenging. There are different techniques, such as iris claw, iris fixation, and scleral fixation. Permanent mydriasis or distorted pupil can be a disabling condition, even after successful vision gain, due to photophobia. So pupilloplasty is nowadays preferred along with IOL implantation. Usually after IOL implantation, iris cerclage or pupilloplasty is done. We combined both steps with one technique: iris fixation with four-throw pupilloplasty. This technique can be used for iris coloboma with weak zonules and surgical iridectomy with aphakia cases where the pupil is irregular. Highlights: The video highlights the steps of four-throw pupilloplasty technique which is also used for fixating the IOL to the iris (iris fixation). This can give an excellent outcome in aphakia with distorted pupil using a single technique approach. Video Link: https://youtu.be/TEa54A5kg2I.

A novel Yamane technique modification: Reverse intraocular lens implantation for simplifying trailing haptic insertion.

We described a modified Yamane technique for simplifying trailing haptic insertion in aphakia correction. In Yamane intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) implantation technique, trailing haptic implantation is challenging for many surgeons. This modification provides an easier and safer way of trailing haptic insertion into the needle tip and decreases the possibility of bending or breaking the trailing haptic.

Secondary in-the-bag Intraocular Lens Implantation in Aphakic Eyes After Vitrectomy and Silicone Oil Tamponade for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel technique for capsular bag reopening and secondary in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in aphakic eyes after vitreoretinal surgery and intraocular tamponade. METHODS: We enrolled 14 eyes of 14 patients who underwent primary vitreoretinal surgery with silicone oil tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment between September 2018 and September 2019. The novel technique was used for capsular bag reopening and foldable single-piece IOL implantation. Patients were followed up at least 24 weeks with routine ophthalmic examinations, corneal endothelial cell density, and IOL tilt and decentration measurement. RESULTS: The procedure was successfully completed in 13 cases; in one case, because of posterior capsular tear, the IOL was implanted with ciliary sulcus fixation. After a mean follow-up of 48.8 ± 14.8 (range, 24.9-65.9) weeks, the best-corrected visual acuity (before 20/76 Snellen, 0.63 ± 0.23 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution equivalent and after 20/35 Snellen, 0.32 ± 0.32 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution equivalent; P = 0.001) and spherical equivalent (before +8.22 ± 4.08, after -2.39 ± 1.77 D; P < 0.001) improved, intraocular pressure (before 15.93 ± 4.40, after 16.25 ± 4.25 mmHg; P = 0.743) remained unchanged. The IOL was well centered with a mean horizontal and vertical tilt of 0.5070 ± 0.3319° and 0.4652 ± 0.3465°, respectively, and decentration of 0.1705 ± 0.1334 mm and 0.1712 ± 0.1576 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: With this technique, capsular bag reopening and secondary in-the-bag IOL implantation could be achieved in most cases with satisfactory visual outcome and IOL position.

Pound-shape Silicone Oil Retention Suture in Aphakic Eyes With Intact Iris.

PURPOSE: To introduce a surgical technique, "pound-shape silicone oil retention suture in aphakic eye with intact iris." METHODS: A retrospective analysis of medical records was performed. Each patient had an aphakic eye with intact iris and received the pound-shape silicone oil retention suture during vitrectomy combined with silicone oil injection. RESULTS: In the four patients who received the pound-shape silicone oil retention suture, the silicone oil was confined behind the suture for 3 months to 7 months without prolapse into the anterior chamber. Increased intraocular pressure was not observed in any patient, although peripheral iridectomy was not performed. CONCLUSION: Pound-shape silicone oil retention suture is a simple and effective surgical technique to prevent silicone oil prolapse into the anterior chamber.

Surgical outcomes of primary intraocular lens implantation for the treatment of aphakia in pediatric cataracts in the Brazilian public health system.

PURPOSE: To evaluate primary intraocular lens implantation in the treatment of children's aphakia in the Brazilian public health system and compare the outcomes among different age groups. METHODS: Children aged 0-12 years old with unilateral or bilateral congenital/developmental cataracts and underwent primary intraocular lens implantation were included. RESULTS: A total of 108 eyes from 68 children were evaluated, and the children were divided into four age groups (<7 months [mo]; 7 mo-2 years old [y/o]; 2-5 y/o, and >5 y/o) were evaluated. Nineteen eyes (17.59%) presented visual axis opacification as a postoperative complication, which was more frequently observed in the <7 mo age group (37.93%). The difference was significant between the <7 mo and >5 y/o age groups (p=0.002). Visual axis opacification was divided into two categories: pupillary membrane and lens cell proliferation. Eight eyes presented pupillary membrane, whereas 14 showed lens cell proliferation. Out of eight eyes with pupillary membrane, seven occurred in the <7 mo age group. The difference between the <7 mo age group and the 2-5 y/o or >5 y/o age group was significant (p=0.01). Lens cell proliferation was more frequent in the <7 mo and 2-5 y/o age groups, but the difference was significant only between the < 7 mo age group and >5 y/o age group (p=0.040). Glaucoma and glaucoma suspect cases were not observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The main complication found in the study was visual axis opacification, which had a higher incidence in children operated on or before the age of 7 months.

Surgical management of aphakia.

Despite the safety and efficacy of cataract surgery, intraoperative complications can hamper the ability to place an intraocular lens in the capsular bag. With vast numbers of cataract surgeries performed daily, complications occur often enough that every ophthalmologist should be equipped with techniques to manage aphakia. Medical management of aphakia used to be commonplace but these techniques have their disadvantages including thick bulky lenses, poor cosmesis, and aniseikonia. Surgical management of aphakia overcomes these disadvantages and offers patients the possibility of a spectacle and contact lens-free lifestyle. This article reviews the various options of surgical management of aphakia and their advantages and disadvantages. Comparison of outcomes between techniques and a protocol for deciding between techniques is presented.

Preferred practice patterns in aphakia management in adults in India: A survey.

Purpose: To assess different approaches in the management of aphakia in adults in Indian ophthalmologists via an online survey. Methods: A survey-monkey based online questionnaire was fielded to Indian ophthalmologists in accordance with the CHERRIES guidelines. We recorded participants' demographics, practice settings, and preferred surgical options including the type of intraocular lens (IOL) preferred when encountering a case of aphakia in adults with and without adequate capsular support. Differences between anterior segment (AS) surgeons and vitreoretinal (VR) surgeons as well as differences between surgeons with more or less than 10 years of surgical experience were evaluated using analytic statistics. Results: Of the 481 surgeons who responded to the survey, 369 (77%) were AS surgeons and the remaining 112 (23%) were VR surgeons and represented all regions of India. When encountering posterior capsular rent during cataract surgery, a three-piece IOL in the ciliary sulcus was the most preferred (n = 275, 57%) when there was adequate capsular support, while a retrofixated iris-claw IOL (n = 91, 19%) was the commonest choice in eyes without adequate capsular support. With associated nucleus drop, 85% of surgeons preferred to refer the patient to a VR surgeon and left the eye aphakic. Multivariable logistic regression showed that VR surgeons were more than six times likely to prefer a scleral fixated intraocular lens (SFIOLs) [odds ratio (OR) = 6.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.4-12.5, P < 0.001] and surgeons with >10 years of experience were also twice more likely to prefer an SFIOL (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.2-4.9, P = 0.02). Conclusion: The choice of IOL in absence of capsular support in adult eyes differs between AS and VR surgeons and is also influenced by the surgeon's experience.

Prospective analysis of Artisan aphakia intraocular lens implantation for nontraumatic ectopia lentis in children.

PURPOSE: To report long-term outcomes of iris claw aphakia intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for nontraumatic ectopia lentis (EL) in children. METHODS: In this prospective study, children who underwent Artisan Aphakia IOL placement were included if they have a minimum of 1-year follow-up after implantation. Main outcome measures were: best-corrected distance visual acuity, reoperations, change in central corneal thickness (CCT), and corneal endothelial cell counts (ECC). RESULTS: The Artisan Aphakia IOL was implanted in a total of 76 eyes of 43 patients (68 eyes of 34 patients with EL). 56 eyes of 28 patients have been followed long enough to meet the inclusion criteria for this report. The average age at Artisan Aphakia IOL implantation was 11.1 years (range of 2-20 years). Average follow-up was 3.59 years, and 23% of patients have >5 years' follow-up. Mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.36 (20/46) to logMAR 0.18 (20/30) after implantation (P = 0.02). Five reoperations were needed in 4 patients, 3 (7%) related to post-implantation trauma. Average preoperative CCT was 580 µm; estimated mean increase in CCT at the 5-year postoperative visit was 11.9 µm higher (P = 0.047). Average preoperative ECC was 3178 cells/mm2; estimated mean loss of ECC at the 5-year postoperative visit was not significantly different from zero (187.7 cells/mm2 [P = 0.102]). CONCLUSIONS: The Artisan Aphakia IOL, used in the absence of capsular support, had an acceptable safety profile in our patients.

Comparative study of visual outcome of newly designed scleral tuck lens and suture-fixated lens for rehabilitation of aphakia in various aetiologies.

Purpose: Visual rehabilitation in aphakia can be performed using several modalities. However, these modalities could be either technically difficult or expensive. Herein, we developed a scleral tuck lens to provide a simple and cost-effective solution for aphakia and compared its outcome with standard methods. Methods: A specially designed posterior chamber self-sustaining lens was implanted in patients with aphakia without capsular support because of different primary etiologies. The visual outcomes, as well as intraoperative and postoperative complications, were examined. The data were retrieved from electronic medical records, and visual outcome and complication rates were compared. The outcomes were also compared according to the etiology and age groups (pediatric and adults). Results: We found significant improvement in preoperative and postoperative visual outcome. We did not find any significant difference in visual outcome amongst suture-supported scleral fixated lens with scleral tuck lens. Conclusion: Satisfactory visual outcomes were noted with minimal complications; and comparable with gold standard suture fixated lens, however long-term follow-up is required.

"Air-Assisted" Donor Lenticule Insertion in Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty in Aphakia With Large Iris Defect and Without Posterior Capsular Support.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report a novel technique of donor lenticule insertion in Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) in aphakic corneal edema with large iris defect and without any posterior capsular support. METHODS: This was a retrospective consecutive interventional case series. Clinical records of ten 1-eyed aphakic patients with corneal edema with large iris defect and no capsular support who underwent air-assisted donor lenticule insertion in DSEK were evaluated. After making 6.0- to 6.5-mm sclerocorneal tunnel and 2 side ports, limited anterior vitrectomy was performed if required. Then, Descemetorhexis was performed under air through side ports. Manually dissected donor lenticule was inserted into the anterior chamber under full-chamber air by a 30-G needle push-in technique. Further air tamponade was given if necessary. No fluid-air exchange was performed. The patient was kept on the same operating table for at least 1 hour and then shifted. Graft attachments in early postoperative period, corrected distant visual acuity, and endothelial cell density after 3, 6, and 12 months were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean postoperative follow-up period was 19.2 ± 6.7 months. There was no donor dislocation in this small group. All patients achieved a corrected distant visual acuity of 0.70 (20/100) after 3 months and maintained until 12 months. The endothelial cell density at 3 months (n = 8) was 2028 ± 151/mm 2 , at 6 months (n = 7) 1776 ± 198/mm 2 , and at 12 months (n = 7) 1721 ± 172/mm 2 . The corresponding endothelial cell loss was 25.8% ± 5.6%, 34.4% ± 5.1%, and 37.8% ± 7.1%, respectively. One graft failed after 15 months. CONCLUSIONS: "Air-assisted" donor lenticule insertion in DSEK is a safe surgical technique in aphakic patients with corneal edema with large iris defect and no capsular support.

Simultaneous Management of Retinal Detachment and Aphakia with Pars Plana Vitrectomy, Silicone Oil Tamponade and Retropupillary Iris-Claw Intraocular Lens Implantation in These Cases.

BACKGROUND: Marfan Syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease with multiple ocular abnormalities including ectopia lentis and a high incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). The management of RRD may be challenging in cases of aphakic patients with Marfan. PURPOSE: To report on the management of four cases of simultaneous RRD and aphakia with vitrectomy, silicone oil tamponade, and retropupillary iris-claw intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with Marfan that have been operated at the Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital between 2019 and 2020. HISTORY AND SIGNS: Ages at presentation were 20, 30, 32, and 31 years, respectively. All patients had a history of extraction of a dislocated lens. None of the patients had a previous posterior vitrectomy. Two patients had records of previous measurements for IOL calculation by optical biometry (IOL Master, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) about 1 year prior to the RRD development. In two cases, measurements for IOL calculation by optical biometry were based on the contralateral eye. THERAPY AND OUTCOME: All patients underwent 23 G vitrectomy, peripheral iridotomy, and retropupillary iris-claw IOL. No intraoperative complications were encountered. All patients had silicone oil tamponade, one of which required heavy silicone oil. Silicone oil was removed 3 months following primary surgery. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. The single surgery anatomic success rate was 100%. All patients had visual acuity of at least 0.8 at the last follow-up (1.25, 1.0, 0.8, and 0.8 respectively). The targeted refractive results were accurately achieved in all four cases postoperatively. One patient presented ocular hypertension 2 weeks after surgery due to presumed steroid response and was managed conservatively. None of the patients had silicone oil migration into the anterior chamber. CONCLUSION: Retropupillary iris-claw IOL implantation in cases of RRD and aphakia creates a barrier to tamponades from the posterior segment, effectively preventing them from entering the anterior segment of the eye. Therefore, the management of aphakia and retinal detachment with simultaneous vitrectomy and a retropupillary iris-claw IOL may be a successful strategy in reducing postoperative complications in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Incidence and risk factors for post-penetrating keratoplasty glaucoma.

Purpose: To carry out a prospective study to analyze the incidence and various preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors for the development of PPKG. Methods: A total of 207 patients were analyzed prospectively, who were operated for penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in a tertiary eye care hospital between the time period of August 1, 2017 and February 28, 2018 and were followed up till the sixth month. Each patient was analyzed at every visit to determine the factors responsible for post-keratoplasty glaucoma. Results: Out of 207 eyes, post-PK glaucoma developed in 84 cases, which yielded an incidence of 41%. Incidence of PPKG (Post PK glaucoma) in various conditions was as follows: in repeat PK 62%, in perforated corneal ulcer 33%, in nonperforated corneal ulcer 29%, in corneal scar including adherent leukoma 37.2%, and in pseudophakic bullous keratopathy and aphakic bullous keratopathy, 14% and 80%, respectively. In age- and sex-adjusted multivariate analysis, the significant risk factors were age (P-value- 0.006), presence of PAS (P-value 0.001), and fellow eye glaucoma (P-value 0.04). Aphakia and combined surgery were not found to be significant. Conclusion: Our study recommends a meticulous examination of the fellow eye to assess the presence of glaucoma as it can increase the suspicion of glaucoma in the eye to be operated. The presence of PAS and age are important risk factors for developing PPKG. The risk of developing PPKG increases exponentially as the number of risk factors increases, but the presence of more than three risk factors does not add to the development of PPKG.

Safety-Net Suture for Aphakic Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to describe a low-cost, accessible method for reducing the risk of posterior donor dislocation in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) performed in eyes with aphakia and a large iris defect (unicameral eyes)-the "safety-net suture." METHODS: We review 3 cases of aphakic bullous keratopathy in unicameral eyes treated successfully using DMEK aided by a simple technique to create a temporary, partial barrier between the anterior and posterior chambers. The safety-net suture technique is based on a continuous 10-0 polypropylene suture placed across the anterior chamber in a cat's-cradle pattern anterior to the trabecular meshwork. At the end of surgery, after air tamponade of the DMEK donor, the 10-0 polypropylene suture is removed. RESULTS: All 3 cases were completed with no intraoperative posterior dislocation. A partial postoperative detachment in 1 case was successfully treated with repeat air tamponade. The corneas remain clear in early follow-up, 1 to 10 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The safety-net suture is a simple, low-cost method of reducing the risk of intraoperative posterior dislocation for DMEK in unicameral, aphakic eyes.