Intraocular Lens Elongation Technique with Haptic Modification for Sulcus Implantation

OBJECTIVES: To define a haptic modification technique to increase the overall length of the intraocular lens (IOL) and evaluate the postoperative outcomes of patients in whom this technique was applied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preoperative and postoperative characteristics of patients who underwent modified IOL implantation into the sulcus between May 2019 and December 2019 were evaluated. Modified Sensar AR40e lenses with hydrophobic acrylic optic and polymethylmethacrylate haptics were implanted to all eyes. Before implanting the IOL, the haptics were grasped with two toothless forceps and bent to elongate the total diameter of the IOL from 13.0 mm to 14.5 mm. RESULTS: The study included 11 eyes of 11 patients who underwent modified three-piece IOL implantation into the sulcus due to insufficient capsular support. The mean age of the patients was 53.9±12.2 years. The mean axial length was 24.13±1.93 mm. Sulcus implantation was required due to aphakia in 9 eyes and IOL dislocation in 2 eyes. No haptic breakage occurred during the IOL modification technique or implantation. The mean preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.88±1.1 logMAR, while postoperative BCVA was 0.28±0.30 logMAR. No IOL dislocation or decentration was observed during 6-month postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION: The larger diameter lenses obtained with this inexpensive and easily applicable technique may allow a more stable sulcus implantation in eyes with inadequate capsular support.