Outcome of sulcus fixation of dislocated posterior chamber intraocular lenses using temporary externalization of the haptics.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the visual outcome and complications of repositioning and sulcus fixation of a dislocated posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) using a technique in which the haptics of the IOL are temporarily externalized for suture placement. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-eight patients with a dislocated PC IOL. INTERVENTION: All patients underwent surgery to fixate the PC IOL using this technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were evaluated for visual acuity, refractive error, and surgical complications associated with the procedure. RESULTS: The average visual acuity before surgery was 20/205 (range, 20/20 to light perception), with a median refractive error of -1.00 diopters (D; range, -7.25-+15.00 D). After surgery, the average visual acuity improved to 20/72 (range, 20/20 to no light perception), with a median refractive error of -0.75 D (range, -5.50-+3.50 D). Patients were observed for a median of 15.5 months (range, 6-57 months). Twenty patients had postoperative cystoid macular edema (26%), 7 patients had an epiretinal membrane (ERM) (9%), and 5 patients had a retinal detachment (6%). Eight patients (10%) experienced iris capture of the sutured IOL, and in three patients (4%) the PC IOL dislocated again after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is an effective method for securing a dislocated PC IOL.