Intrascleral intraocular lens fixation with ab interno trabeculotomy in patients with exfoliation glaucoma with lens subluxation

Jpn J Ophthalmol. 2024 May;68(3):200-205. doi: 10.1007/s10384-024-01059-1. Epub 2024 Apr 8.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation using ab interno trabeculotomy (LOT) in patients with exfoliation glaucoma with lens subluxation.

Study design: Retrospective case series.

Methods: Twenty eyes of 18 patients with exfoliation glaucoma and lens or IOL subluxations were included. Three success criteria were based on postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) (A, ≤15 mmHg; B, ≤18 mmHg; C, ≤21 mmHg). The IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and visual acuity were compared before and after surgery. Success probability was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Cox proportional hazards' regression models were used to examine prognostic factors for surgical failure.

Results: The mean follow-up period was 23.4 ± 7.8 months. The mean IOP significantly decreased from 23.2 ± 6.8 mmHg preoperatively to 14.0 ± 4.4 mmHg at 1 year postoperative (P<0.001). Postoperative hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage were observed in seven and 15 eyes, respectively, and washout in the anterior chamber or vitreous cavity was performed in four eyes. Postoperative IOP spikes and hypotony were observed in four eyes each. Glaucoma reoperation was performed in two eyes. The success rates at 12 months were 65%, 85%, and 90% using criteria A, B, and C, respectively. The IOP at 1 month after surgery was a significant prognostic factor for surgical failure according to criterion A (hazard ratio: 1.08; P=0.034).

Conclusion: Intrascleral IOL fixation combined with microhook LOT is a promising option in cases of exfoliation glaucoma with subluxated lens/IOL; however, the high rate of postoperative hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage should be noted.

Keywords: Exfoliation glaucoma; Glaucoma surgery; Intrascleral IOL implantation; Lens subluxation; Microhook trabeculotomy.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Exfoliation Syndrome* / complications
  • Exfoliation Syndrome* / physiopathology
  • Exfoliation Syndrome* / surgery
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure* / physiology
  • Lens Implantation, Intraocular* / methods
  • Lens Subluxation* / diagnosis
  • Lens Subluxation* / physiopathology
  • Lens Subluxation* / surgery
  • Lenses, Intraocular
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sclera* / surgery
  • Trabeculectomy* / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Acuity* / physiology