Repositioning of in-the-bag Dislocated Intraocular Lenses: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Two Surgical Methods

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate intraocular lens (IOL) tilt, IOL-induced astigmatism (IIA), refractive change, and impact of capsular fibrosis on IOL position after scleral fixation of dislocated IOL using two methods: ab externo scleral suture loop fixation (group A) and a modification, embracing the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (group B).

Methods: In this prospective randomized clinical trial conducted at St. Erik Eye Hospital, 117 patients with dislocated IOL were randomized to group A (n = 61) or B (n = 56). Patients with ordinary pseudophakia (n = 60) served as controls. IOL tilt was measured three-dimensionally with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Results: The median IOL tilt was similar with both methods (A: 7.8°; B: 8.3°; p = 0.51) but higher than in ordinary pseudophakia (5.4°; p < 0.001). Both groups showed a myopic shift, p < 0.001. In cases without capsular fibrosis, the median IOL tilt was 15.5° in group A (n = 7) and 7.0° in group B (n = 5), p = 0.19. For each degree of IOL tilt, IIA increased by 0.075 D (p < 0.001). IOL position could be measured with AS-OCT in all patients given that the IOL was visible in the pupil.

Conclusion: After IOL fixation surgery, IOL tilt is higher than in normal pseudophakia. A study involving more patients without capsular fibrosis could clarify whether IOL position is better with method B in this subgroup. IAA is low, but myopic shift is common. AS-OCT is useful for IOL tilt assessment after IOL fixation surgery.

Keywords: In-the-bag dislocated intraocular lens; Intraocular lens repositioning; Intraocular lens tilt.