A novel 4-point scleral fixation technique with a hydrophobic IOL: The LOTO technique.

Purpose: to describe a new surgical technique that combines 4-point, flanged polypropylene scleral fixation with a hydrophobic IOL.

Methods: Using the Envista MX60 and 6.0 polypropylene, scleral 4-point fixation was achieved using a flanged-suture technique 5 times in a model eye and in a case series of 8 patients, retrospectively reviewed. The polypropylene is passed through each eyelet in a novel configuration (LOTO: Loop to Optic and Trailing ends to Outside). Conjunctival peritomies, scleral flaps/pockets, glue, and suture knots are avoided. The load needed for haptic fracture and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at fracture sites were studied.

Results: Haptic fracture occurred once following the first model eye implantation due to excessive suture tension. The fracture load was similar between the LOTO and the simple-pass technique (1.08 ± 0.52 N vs 1.09 ± 0.32 N), suggesting no safety compromise. SEM did not disclose cheese-wiring effect. Over a mean follow-up of 10.8 months (range: 3 to 19; median 11.5 months), all cases experienced visual improvement with best-achieved-postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (BAPUCVA) of 20/25-20/200, and the IOL was well-centered. Postoperative IOL tilt averaged 2.9 degrees (range: 0 to 9.6; median: 2.9 degrees). Two patients developed post-operative CME treated topically. The first case developed flange extrusion that was readily repaired in clinic.

Conclusions: This novel technique adds 2 main advantages to previously described flanged-suture techniques: 1) 4-point fixation of a hydrophobic IOL and 2) immediate application at the time of initial complicated cataract surgery since it requires no additional supply, IOL, or instrumentation.