Suture fixation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens in anticoagulated patients.

Purpose

To describe a technique of suture fixating posterior chamber silicone intraocular lenses (PC IOLs) to the iris through a limbal incision and to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing intraocular hemorrhages.

Setting

Price Vision Group, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study comprised 7 eyes (5 patients) that had suture fixation of a silicone PC IOL from a limbal approach to the midperipheral iris using 9-0 polypropylene (Prolene(R)) suture. All patients were taking warfarin sodium (Coumadin(R)) preoperatively and postoperatively. At each follow-up examination, visual acuity and intraocular pressure were measured, the stability of the PC IOL was assessed, and the anterior chamber and posterior segment were evaluated for blood.

Results

There was no incidence of intraocular hemorrhage during surgery in any eye. In 6 eyes, there was no blood in the anterior chamber or posterior segment at any postoperative examination. A nonlayering hyphema that resolved within 1 week without sequelae was noted in 1 patient 6 weeks postoperatively. The mean follow-up was 10.7 months (range 6 to 25 months).

Conclusion

Suture fixating a PC IOL to the iris through a limbal approach was an effective means of placing an IOL in anticoagulated patients without capsule support.