Three cases of a torn haptic after scleral fixation using a hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens: Case reports

RATIONALE: We report 3 cases of a torn haptic after successful scleral fixation with a hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens. PATIENT CONCERNS: Patients complained of decreased visual acuity about 1 week to 1 month after scleral fixation. DIAGNOSES: In all 3 cases, the direction of the damaged haptic correlated with the direction of the pulling force made by the hung suture material. Observation of a cheese-wiring effect on scanning electron microscopy suggested that the haptic was cut by the suture. INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent re-scleral fixation with caution. OUCTOMES: There was no complication of broken haptic after re-scleral fixation. LESSONS: To avoid unexpected haptic tears, great caution is needed; surgeons should avoid applying excessive pulling force to the intraocular lens when performing scleral fixation using a hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens.