Comparison of outcomes between modified double-flanged sutureless scleral fixation and conventional sutured scleral fixation

Abstract

This retrospective study aimed to compare the outcomes of modified double-flanged sutureless scleral fixation versus sutured scleral fixation. Medical records of 65 eyes from 65 patients who underwent double-flanged scleral fixation (flange group) or conventional scleral fixation (suture group) between 2021 and 2022 were reviewed. Visual and refractive outcomes, as well as postoperative complications, were compared 1, 2, and 6 months after surgery. We included 31 eyes in the flange group and 34 eyes in the suture group. At 6 months postoperatively, the flange group showed better uncorrected visual acuity (0.251 ± 0.328 vs. 0.418 ± 0.339 logMAR, P = 0.041) and a smaller myopic shift (− 0.74 ± 0.93 vs. − 1.33 ± 1.15 diopter, P = 0.007) compared to the suture group. The flange group did not experience any instances of iris capture, while the suture group had iris capture in 10 eyes (29.4%; P < 0.001). In the flange group, all intraocular lenses remained centered, whereas in the suture group, they were decentered in 8 eyes (23.5%; P = 0.005). The double-flanged technique not only prevented iris capture and decentration of the intraocular lens but also reduced myopic shift by enhancing the stability of the intraocular lens.