Search Results (14)

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) has emerged as a crucial imaging technique in ophthalmology, particularly for evaluating intraocular structures and the behavior of phakic and secondary intraocular lenses (IOLs). This narrative review summarizes the latest findings and clinical applications of OCT regarding phakic and secondary IOLs, focusing on their effectiveness, safety, and factors influencing performance. Through a comprehensive analysis of current literature, we explore how OCT facilitates the assessment of IOLs on key anatomical parameters—such as vault, angle configuration, lens centration, tilt, and haptic positioning—essential for optimizing surgical outcomes and minimizing postoperative complications. In phakic IOLs, including posterior chamber lenses such as the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL, STAAR Surgical, Monrovia, CA, USA) and iris-fixated lenses, such as Artiflex (Ophtec BV, Groningen, The Netherlands), OCT enables precise evaluation of the anterior segment, aiding both candidate selection and long-term monitoring. In secondary implants for aphakia—especially iris-fixated lenses like Artisan (Ophtec BV, Groningen, The Netherlands) and sutureless scleral-fixated lenses such as the Carlevale IOL (Soleko, Rome, Italy)—or those implanted via the Yamane technique, OCT provides high-resolution visualization of haptic fixation, IOL stability, and potential complications, including tilt or decentration. This review also highlights comparative insights between fixation techniques, underscores the need for standardized OCT protocols, and discusses the integration of artificial intelligence tools. In summary, the routine use of OCT in the preoperative and postoperative management of phakic and secondary IOLs has been increasingly incorporated into clinical practice, as it enhances clinical decision-making and improves patient outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Different surgical techniques are available in cases of missing or insufficient capsular bag support. Next to the anterior chamber or iris-fixated intraocular lenses (IOL), the implantation of the Carlevale IOL provides a sutureless and scleral fixated treatment method. Methods: In a retrospective single-center study, the perioperative data of 100 patients who consecutively received a scleral fixated Carlevale IOL combined with a 25 gauge (G) pars plana vitrectomy between September 2021 and June 2024 were investigated. The intraoperative and postoperative results were analyzed in terms of complication rates and refractive outcomes. Results: IOL dislocation was the most common surgical indication (50%) for sutureless Carlevale IOL implantation, followed by postoperative aphakia in 35 patients (35%). Nearly every fourth patient (24%) had a preoperative traumatic event, and 21% had pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome. The average surgery time was 60.2 (±20.1) min. Intraoperative intraocular hemorrhage occurred in seven cases, and IOL haptic breakage in two patients. Temporary intraocular pressure fluctuations represented the most common postoperative complications (28%). Severe complications such as endophthalmitis or retinal detachment were not observed in our cohort. The mean refractive prediction error was determined in 67 patients and amounted to an average of −0.7 ± 2.0 diopters. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the last postoperative follow-up showed an improvement of 0.2 ± 0.5 logMAR (n = 76) compared to the preoperative BCVA (p = 0.0002). The postoperative examination was performed in 72% of the patients, and the mean follow-up period amounted to 7.2 ± 6.4 months. Conclusions: Overall, sutureless and scleral fixated implantation of the Carlevale IOL represents a valuable therapeutic option in the treatment of aphakia and lens as well as IOL dislocation in the absence of capsular bag support with minor postoperative complications and positive refractive outcomes. Full article

Background: Artificial iris (AI) implantation is an innovative and increasingly utilized surgical procedure for injured eyes with iris trauma. Methods: A 76-year-old female and a 34-year-old male presented at the emergency department with a traumatic corneo-scleral laceration and perforated corneal ulcer, respectively. Emergency surgeries were performed to restore ocular integrity. In both cases, a modified surgical technique involving the implantation of an AI was performed; however, two different models of AI were used. Results: The AIs were sutured with four stitches directly to the scleral-fixated (SF) intra ocular lens (IOL), and the AI-IOL complexes were implanted, as a single unit, and fixated to the sclera using the lens haptics. Before and after the surgery, patients underwent a comprehensive eye examination, including a visual acuity test. The AI-SF IOL complexes remained well positioned, with no intraocular or extraocular complications observed during the follow-up evaluations of both patients. Conclusions: We reported a straightforward and repeatable modified surgical technique for two patients with two models of AI, both sutured to the SF IOL and fixated to the sclera, as a single unit. This approach may serve as an excellent alternative for managing aphakic eyes with extensive iridodialysis or partial aniridia. Full article

Background: This study compared the visual and morphological outcomes between iris fixation and anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL) implantation for late spontaneously dislocated intraocular lens (IOL)–capsular bag complexes in a tertiary reference center in Lithuania. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted between 2017 and 2019 involving 80 patients (83 eyes) with late spontaneous IOL–capsular bag dislocation. Patients underwent repositioning and fixation of the dislocated IOL to the iris (IF group) or IOL exchange with an ACIOL implant (ACIOL group). Pre- and postoperative assessments included best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) and macular thickness (evaluating whether cystoid macular edema (CME) had occurred). Results: Both groups showed a significant improvement in BCDVA, with a more remarkable improvement in the IF group (median: 0.1 logMAR) than in the ACIOL group (median: 0.3 logMAR), p = 0.001. Corneal astigmatism increased significantly in the ACIOL group (p < 0.001) but remained stable in the IF group. IOP management outcomes were better in the IF group as fewer eyes required additional glaucoma treatment. ECD decreased in both groups, but the decrease was significantly greater in the ACIOL group (p < 0.001). Postoperative CME occurred in 4.4% of IF eyes and 39% of ACIOL eyes (p = 0.01). Conclusions: The iris fixation of late dislocated IOL–capsular bag complexes is a safe and minimally invasive technique that offers better visual outcomes, less astigmatism and fewer complications than ACIOL exchange. Full article

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue in several systems, with ocular, cardiovascular, and skeletal system manifestations. Its ocular manifestations include ectopia lentis (EL), myopia, astigmatism, and corneal abnormalities. This review examines refractive alterations related to MFS such as EL, microspherophakia, lens coloboma, altered corneal biomechanics (flattening, thinning, and astigmatism), and myopia and their impact on visual acuity. The pathogenesis of these manifestations stems from mutations in the FBN1 gene (encoding fibrillin-1). Moreover, the current medical and surgical management strategies for MFS-related refractive errors, including optical correction (eyeglasses, contact lenses, etc.), and surgical interventions like lensectomy, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation (anterior chamber, posterior chamber, scleral-fixated, iris-fixated), and the use of capsular tension rings/segments are further discussed. Considering the likelihood of underdiagnosing and underestimating ocular involvement in MFS, this updated review highlights the critical need to identify and address these refractive issues to enhance the visual outcomes for those affected. Full article

Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the surgical and refractive outcomes using the Carlevale IOL (FIL SSF; SOLEKO) with those of the retropupillary-fixated Artisan IOL (Aphakia Model 205; OPHTEC), implanted through a 6 mm sclerocorneal tunnel incision in both groups. Methods: This study included 51 consecutive eyes (25 Carlevale and 26 Artisan IOLs). Due to complex preoperative conditions (e.g., dislocated polymethylmethacrylat IOL, luxated Cataracta rubra), all patients underwent lens explantation using a standardized 6 mm sclerocorneal tunnel incision and a 23 G or 25 G pars plana vitrectomy. Visual acuity (VA), spherical equivalent, refractive prediction error (PE), incision-suture time, and complication rates were recorded preoperatively and during the follow-up period. Results: The average follow-up period was 40.9 ± 5.7 days. VA improved by 0.28 ± 0.39 logMAR (p < 0.0001) in the Carlevale group and by 0.36 ± 0.47 logMAR (p < 0.0001) in the Artisan group. The improvement was comparable between both groups (p = 0.921). The deviation of the PE was −0.67 ± 0.56 in the Carlevale group and 0.34 ± 0.71 in the Artisan group (p < 0.0001). The mean incision-suture time was 42.5 ± 5.8 min in the Carlevale group and 28.2 ± 6.4 min in the Artisan group. Anterior chamber and vitreous hemorrhages were the most common complications, occurring in 12% in the Carlevale group and 17.2% in the Artisan group. Conclusions: The use of the Carlevale IOL, implanted using a sclerocorneal tunnel technique, presents a valid option for treating complex lens dislocations. The scleral fixation of the Carlevale IOL minimizes risks associated with iris fixation, such as chronic inflammation and pupil distortion, making it particularly suitable for patients with damaged irises. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the outcomes of a staged procedure combining Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and sutureless scleral fixation (SSF) of a one-piece intraocular lens (IOL) in a case series. Co-performing endothelial keratoplasty (EK) and SSF is associated with intraoperative and postoperative complications such as graft deployment difficulties, air migration, graft detachment, and IOL opacification or tilt, all of which are evaluated in this study. Methods: This is a retrospective observational case series. Clinical data were collected from eight eyes of eight patients who underwent DMEK for endothelial failure and had previously received an SSF with one-piece IOL following complete vitrectomy. During DMEK surgery, an air leak test was conducted to check for air migration into the posterior chamber. If instability was detected, pupilloplasty was performed. Intraoperative and postoperative data, including DMEK graft unfolding time, were collected. Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (CDVA), refraction, endothelial cell density (ECD), central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and complications were recorded over a 12-month follow-up period. Results: We performed pupilloplasty in four patients (50%). The median CDVA improved from preoperative 0.85 logMAR (range: 0.60 to 1.00) at baseline to 0.18 logMAR (range: 0.10 to 0.70, p = 0.012) at 12 months. The median refraction value changed significantly from −1.00 to −0.50 at 12 months. The median percentage reduction in ECD after 12 months was 33.4% (range 30 to 40). The median baseline CCT was 689 μm (range: 651 to 701) at baseline visit and 541.5 μm (range: 525 to 591, p = 0.008) at 12 months. The median IOP was reduced significantly during follow-up. The median graft unfolding time was 6 min (5 to 9). One patient required rebubbling for partial detachment on postoperative day one. No complications occurred within 12 months. Conclusions: The effective compartmentalization of the anterior and posterior chambers in vitrectomized eyes with an SSF one-piece IOL and pupilloplasty can facilitate critical steps of DMEK surgery in complex eyes. Additionally, the air leak test could prove useful in identifying the need for iris-lens diaphragm reconstruction. Full article

Background/Objectives: To compare the clinical outcome of suture and sutureless iris fixation techniques for dislocated intraocular lenses (IOLs). Methods: Retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent surgery for late IOL dislocation over a 10-year period. IOL repositioning was achieved either by suturing the original IOL to the iris using the Siepser slipknot technique or by replacing it with a retropupillary sutureless iris claw IOL. Data collected during surgery included the type of dislocation, the need for anterior or posterior vitrectomy, duration of surgery, and intraoperative complications. Six months after surgery we assessed the eye and iris anatomy; refraction, astigmatism, and visual acuity; endothelial cell damage; and rate of postoperative complications. Results: Included in the study were 60 patients: 32 underwent IOL relocation and 28 underwent IOL exchange. Pseudoexfoliation (43.7% and 39.3%) and retinal surgery (34.4% and 28.6%) were identified as the main possible causes for IOL dislocation. The mean duration of the surgery was 62.9 ± 14.9 min for the Relocation group, and was 42.7 ± 11.4 min for the Exchange group (p < 0.001), with similar low intraoperative complication rates (6.25% and 7.14%, respectively). The studied parameters showed no differences between the two groups postoperatively, except for corneal astigmatism which was 1.31 ± 0.45 D in the Relocation group and was 1.89 ± 0.86 D in the Exchange group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both suture and sutureless iris fixation techniques for dislocated IOLs yielded similarly favorable outcomes in this study. IOL relocation resulted in less postoperative astigmatism, while IOL exchange offered the advantage of shorter surgical time. Full article

Preoperative and postoperative diagnostics play an important role in ensuring the safety of patients with phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs). The risk of endothelial cell loss can be addressed by regularly measuring the endothelial cell density using specular microscopy and considering the endothelial cell loss rate and the endothelial reserve in accordance with the patient’s age when deciding whether to explant a pIOL. The anterior chamber morphometrics, including the anterior chamber depth and the distance between the pIOL and the endothelium, measured using Scheimpflug tomography and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), can help to assess the risk of the endothelial cell loss. In patients undergoing posterior chamber pIOL implantation, accurate prediction of the vault and its postoperative measurements using AS-OCT or Scheimpflug tomography are important when assessing the risk of anterior subcapsular cataract and secondary glaucoma. Novel approaches based on ultrasound biomicroscopy and AS-OCT have been proposed to increase the vault prediction accuracy and to identify eyes in which prediction errors are more likely. Careful patient selection and regular postoperative follow-up visits can reduce the complication risk and enable early intervention if a complication occurs. Full article

Purpose. To revise the current literature on FIL SSF (Carlevale) intraocular lens, previously known as Carlevale lens, and to compare their outcomes with those from other secondary IOL implants. Methods. We performed a peer review of the literature regarding FIL SSF IOLs until April 2021 and analyzed the results only of articles with a minimum of 25 cases and a follow-up of at least 6 months. The searches yielded 36 citations, 11 of which were abstracts of meeting presentations that were not included in the analysis because of their limited data. The authors reviewed 25 abstracts and selected six articles of possible clinical relevance to review in full text. Of these, four were considered to be sufficiently clinically relevant. Particularly, we extrapolated data regarding the pre- and postoperative best corrected visual acuities (BCVA) and the complications related to the procedure. The complication rates were then compared with those from a recently published Ophthalmic Technology Assessment by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) on secondary IOL implants. Results. Four studies with a total of 333 cases were included for results analysis. The BCVA improved in all cases after surgery, as expected. Cystoid macular edema (CME) and increased intraocular pressure were the most common complications, with an incidence of up to 7.4% and 16.5%, respectively. Other IOL types from the AAO report included anterior chamber IOLs, iris fixation IOLs, sutured iris fixation IOLs, sutured scleral fixation IOLs, and sutureless scleral fixation IOLs. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of postoperative CME (p = 0.20), and vitreous hemorrhage (p = 0.89) between other secondary implants and the FIL SSF IOL, whereas the rate of retinal detachment was significantly less with FIL SSF IOLs (p = 0.04). Conclusion. The results of our study suggest the implantation of FIL SSF IOLs is an effective and safe surgical strategy in cases where there is a lack of capsular support. In fact, their outcomes seem to be comparable to those obtained with the other available secondary IOL implants. According to published literature, the FIL SSF (Carlevale) IOL provides favorable functional results with a low rate of postoperative complications. Full article

Here, we present a case of floppy iris leading to positional pupillary capture by a sutureless, scleral-fixated intraocular lens (IOL) causing recurrent uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema (UGH) syndrome. The patient developed recurrent episodes of UGH syndrome after dislocated IOL removal and the placement of sutureless, scleral-fixated IOL. Gravitationally dependent pupillary capture was noted with the superior iris moving in front of and behind the IOL, depending on head positioning. Ultrasonography showed a floppy iris that moved with shifting gaze. The lack of the capsular bag may have contributed to extreme iris movements. This finding may be secondary to a combination of a lack of zonular support and capsular bag support as well as the lack of vitreous support following vitrectomy. When possible, secondary IOL placement behind a peripherally preserved capsular bag may reduce the risk of UGH. Full article

Saccadic eye movements induce movements of the aqueous and vitreous humor and iris fluttering. To evaluate iris fluttering during eye movements, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) was used in 29 eyes with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and intrascleral fixation of an intraocular lens (ISF group) and 15 eyes with PPV and an IOL implantation into lens capsular bag (control group). The height of the iris from the iris plane (the line between the anterior chamber angles) was compared every 0.2 s after the eye had moved from a temporal to the primary position (time 0). The height of the nasal iris in the ISF group decreased to −0.68 ± 0.43 mm at 0 s (p < 0.001) and returned to −0.06 ± 0.23 mm at 0.2 s. The height of the temporal iris increased to 0.45 ± 0.31 mm at 0 s (p < 0.001) and returned to −0.06 ± 0.18 mm at 0.2 s. The height of the nasal iris at 0 s in the ISF group was significantly lower, and that of the temporal iris was significantly higher than the control (−0.05 ± 0.09 mm, 0.03 ± 0.06 mm, p < 0.001, respectively). Iris fluttering can act as a check valve for aqueous and vitreous humor movements and can be quantified by consecutive AS-OCT images. Large amplitude iris fluttering in eyes with intrascleral fixation is important because it can lead to a reverse pupillary block. Full article

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of cataract surgery for patients with iris-fixated phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs). This study included 96 eyes of 91 patients. The changes in the logMAR uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subjective spherical equivalent (SE), astigmatism, and endothelial cell density (ECD) were collected retrospectively. The intraoperative and postoperative complications also were investigated to assess the surgical safety. The preoperative UCVA and BCVA improved significantly at month 1 postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The efficacy and safety index at month 1 postoperatively were 1.02 ± 0.56 and 1.31 ± 0.64, respectively. The SE at month 1 postoperatively was significantly (p < 0.001) higher compared to preoperatively, whereas the subjective astigmatism did not differ significantly (p = 0.078). The ECD significantly decreased at month 1 (p < 0.001). The most common postoperative complication was intraocular pressure elevation exceeding 25 mmHg in 10.4% of eyes, which was controlled with medications in all cases until month 1 postoperatively. No intraoperative complications developed. Cataract surgeries for patients with iris-fixated pIOLs were performed safely with good visual outcomes. Full article

Background. The management of patients with aphakia and/or lack of capsular support remains debated. The sutureless posterior chamber IOL (PCIOL) fixation is a very useful surgical option. The purpose of the study was to compare the early outcomes as well as post-operative best corrected visual acuity, refractive errors and complications of two different techniques of sutureless PCIOL secondary implantation. Methods. Patients who underwent secondary implantation from December 2019 to January 2021 in the Department of Ophthalmology of Creteil Hospital, and in the Granville Ophthalmology Center, were retrospectively included. Eyes implanted with the iris claw lens (Artisan Aphakia IOL model 205, Ophtec BV, Groningen, The Netherlands) were included in group 1, and eyes implanted with a newly developed sutureless trans-scleral plugs fixated lens (STSPFL, Carlevale lens, Soleko, Pontecorvo, Italy) were included in group 2. Results. Twenty-two eyes of 22 patients were enrolled in group 1, and twenty eyes of 20 patients in group 2. No difference was found in visual acuity between two groups (0.35 +/− 0.29 logmar for group 1 and 0.23 +/− 0.51 logmar for group 2) (p = 0.15) at mean post-operative follow up (6.19 +/− 3.44 months for group 1 and 6.42 +/− 3.96 months for group 2) (p = 0.13). Both the mean refractive error (MRE) and induced astigmatism (IA) were greater in group 1 compared to group 2, respectively: the MRE was 0.99 +/− 0.57 vs. 0.46 +/− 0.36 (p < 0.01), and IA was 1.72 +/− 0.96 vs. 0.72 +/− 0.52 (p < 0.01). Conclusions. No significant differences in terms of the recovery of visual acuity were found between the two groups. Group 2 (STPFL) gives better results in our sample due to less post-operative induced astigmatism and less refractive error. Full article