Reversed scleral tunnel technique for repair of iridodialysis after blunt force trauma: a retrospective clinical study

BMC Ophthalmol. 2022 Apr 15;22(1):171. doi: 10.1186/s12886-022-02394-y.

Abstract

Background: To investigate the efficacy and safety of reversed scleral tunnel technique for repairing iridodialysis after blunt force trauma.

Methods: A total of 51 eyes of 51 patients with iridodialysis undergoing surgery were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (the reversed scleral tunnel technique) and group B (the control group). Before the procedure and at 1, 3, and 6 months afterward, data on the patients' age, gender, treatments, diagnosis, mechanism of injury, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), degree of iridodialysis, lens status, concomitant ocular damage, number of sutures, complications, and follow-up time were collected and compared between the 2 groups.

Results: Iridodialysis was repaired and the pupil shape was restored to nearly round in all eyes. Standard phacoemulsification or lens removal was performed in all eyes. A final BCVA ≥20/60 was achieved in 13 eyes (48.1%) in Group A and 13 eyes (54.2%) in Group B. The IOP remained stable during the follow-up period in all eyes except 2 eyes (7.4%) in Group A and 3 eyes (12.5%) in Group B with angle recession. There were no statistically significant differences in BCVA and IOP between group A and group B. Intraoperatively, A significantly lower percentage of extensive subconjunctival hemorrhage occurred in Group A compared to Group B (1 eye versus 24 eyes, χ2 = 47.1, P = 0.00). Hyphema was observed in 2 eyes (7.4%) in Group A and 1 eye (4.2%) in Group B. Postoperatively, two eyes (7.4%) in Group A and 2 eyes (8.3%) in Group B developed retinal detachment. No other complications were noted during the follow-up period.

Conclusions: The reversed scleral tunnel technique is a safe and effective approach for repairing iridodialysis after blunt force trauma with few complications, favorable cosmetic and visual outcomes.

Keywords: Cataract; Closed-chamber technique; Iridodialysis; Reversed scleral tunnel; Trauma.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Iris Diseases* / etiology
  • Iris Diseases* / surgery
  • Phacoemulsification* / methods
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sclera / surgery
  • Visual Acuity