Iris-Claw IOL Through a Scleral Tunnel Incision Assessed

Implanting an iris-claw intraocular lens (IOL) in the retropupillary position through a scleral tunnel incision is an effective alternative to aphakia without capsule support, according to a retrospective case series involving 76 eyes of 75 individuals. 

Participants received an iris-claw IOL from a single surgeon between 2011 and 2017 via either scleral tunnel or corneal incision. Investigators looked at outcome by incision type and lens position. Among the results: 

• Postop uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities were significantly improved in all patients.
• Average uncorrected distance acuity was significantly better in patients receiving scleral tunnel vs corneal incision. 
• Patients in the scleral tunnel incision group had lower surgically induced astigmatism (0.73 vs 2.49 diopters). 
• No differences were seen by incision type.

Martinez A, Gonzalez C. Iris-claw intraocular lens implantation: Efficiency and safety according to technique. J Cataract Refract Surg. Oct;44(10):1186-1191. doi:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrs.2018.06.049.