Retropupillary iris claw lens versus Gore-Tex assisted scleral fixated intraocular lens in children with large lens subluxations

Purpose: To compare the functional outcome of retropupillary iris claw lenses (RPIC-IOL) and scleral fixated intraocular lenses (SFIOL) in children with large lens subluxations. Methods: Sixty eyes of patients between 6 and 18 years of age having > 7 clock hour lens subluxation were included and equally divided into group A (RPIC-IOL implantation) and group B (Gore-Tex sutured SFIOL implantation). Cases with anterior and posterior segment abnormalities, trauma and glaucoma were excluded. Primary outcome was improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 1.5 years. Secondary outcomes were assessment of intraocular lens (IOL) tilt, mean change in astigmatism at 1.5 years, and median operating time. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. Results: The mean improvement in BCVA in group A was 0.28 +/- 0.41 logMAR and group B was 0.44 +/- 0.45 logMAR (P = 0.3). Significant IOL tilt was seen in 4 eyes in group A (13.33%) and 5 eyes in group B (16.66%) (P = 0.120). Mean change in astigmatism was 4.38 +/- 5.9D in group A and 4.91 +/- 4.4D in group B (P = 0.299). The median operating time was 40 min in group A and 90 min in group B (P < 0.001). No significant posterior segment complications were seen in either technique. Conclusion: Both procedures had comparable visual outcomes. RPIC-IOL implantation was relatively quick and comparatively easier; it may be preferred in cases with high risk of retinal detachment.