Scleral fixation of a 4-eyelet foldable intraocular lens in patients with aphakia using a 4-flanged technique.

A 29-gauge model test fine needle is used to create a beveled intrascleral tunnel; with microforceps, a 6-0 polypropylene suture is placed in the bore of the needle, which is used as a guide to pass and externalize the monofilament through the sclera. This maneuver is repeated by passing the suture ends through the intraocular lens (IOL) eyelets. The folded IOL is inserted and centered, the sutures are cut, and the flanges are created by thermocautery and inserted into the scleral tunnel. This technique was performed on 7 patients and visual acuity was recorded. The 4-flanged technique for scleral fixation using a 4-eyelet IOL was an effective and a safe treatment in the setting of aphakia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]