Modification of intraocular lens insertion using 4-flanged fixation with a standard cartridge and a 2.4 mm corneal incision in eyes with no capsular support

Abstract

A modification of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, using the 4-flanged IOL fixation technique, through a 2.4 mm corneal incision using a standard cartridge and injector, is presented. An IOL with 4 eyelets is used, through which a 6-0 polypropylene suture is threaded on one side and then loaded into a provided cartridge and inserted to the anterior chamber through a 2.4 mm corneal incision. Using the handshake technique, the suture ends are eventually threaded through the eyelets and secured outside the eye with the creation of 4 flanges. This technique was used in 6 eyes of 5 consecutive patients with the absence of capsular support. During all follow-up visits, the IOLs were well centered and stable, and the flanges were buried in the sclera and covered with the conjunctiva. No complications were recorded. This modification simplifies the technique and reduces the well-known complications of large corneal incisions.