Comparison of Surgical Outcomes between Conventional Sutured Scleral Fixation and Flanged Intrascleral Intraocular Lens Fixation

Purpose: We compared the surgical outcomes and complications of conventional, sutured scleral fixation and flanged intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients who underwent conventional, sutured scleral fixation or flanged intrascleral IOL fixation and who were then observed for more than 6 months. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), operation time, spherical equivalent (SEQ), astigmatism, and postoperative complications were recorded up to 6 months after surgery.Results: Of sixty-nine enrolled eyes, 39 underwent conventional, sutured scleral fixation (“sutured” group) and 30 flanged intrascleral IOL fixation (“sutureless” group). The operation time was significantly shorter in the sutureless group than in the sutured group (56.3 ± 11.8 vs. 77.7 ± 17.9 minutes, p < 0.001). In both groups, the BCVA and SEQ improved significantly at all visits after surgery compared to the baseline values p < 0.05). There was no between-group difference in BCVA, SEQ, astigmatism, or complications.Conclusions: Compared to conventional, sutured scleral fixation, flanged intrascleral IOL fixation afforded equivalent improvements in visual acuity but with a shorter surgical duration. Therefore, flanged intrascleral IOL fixation is a useful alternative to conventional, sutured scleral fixation.