Purpose: To present the flattened flanged polypropylene suture technique developed to obtain round and stable pupils in patients with iridodialysis.
Methods: After performing a fornix-based conjunctival peritomy, a flange was created at the tip of a 6.0 polypropylene suture by cautery. In the quadrant of iridodialysis, an ultrathin 30-gauge needle was inserted into the sclera at a distance of 2 mm from the limbus and advanced 1.5 mm intrasclerally, parallel to the limbus. The needle was directed radially into the eye and easily passed through the edge of the peripheral iris. The polypropylene suture was pushed into the lumen of the needle with the help of forceps. After the needle was externalized, the tip of the suture was flanged by cautery, and the flange was immediately flattened using a needle holder.
Results: Six eyes of six patients with iridodialysis were enrolled in this study. Postoperatively, the irises remained well positioned and the pupils became round in all eyes. None of the patients developed suture erosion, suture loosening or rupture, hyphema, hypotony, chronic iridocyclitis, and angle closure.
Conclusion: The present technique provides a minimally invasive surgery and robust iris fixation without the need to create a scleral flap, groove, or pocket.