Iris Claw Intraocular Lens Implantation as a Primary or Secondary Procedure- A Study Done at a Tertiary Care Centre

Purpose: cataract is the leading cause of reversible blindness in the world. Aphakia due to complicated cataract surgery is difficult to treat with spectacles or contact lenses. Implantation of iris claw intraocular lens (ICIOL) is one of the various methods. This study aims to evaluate the visual acuity and post-operative complications after implantation of iris claw intraocular lens as a primary or secondary procedure. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted at government general hospital, Guntur from May 1st 2023 to April 30th 2024. Data from 50 eyes of 49 patients was collected from records. Their preoperative evaluation, intraoperative approach as a primary or secondary procedure and postoperative visual acuity and complications were noted. All patients were followed-up for a period of 6 weeks. Results: The study includes a total of 49 patients of which 26 are males and 23 Females with mean age of 56- 60. Among the 50 eyes 27 were right with 23 left eyes. Four patients had ICIOL implantation as a primary procedure and 45 as a secondary procedure. Indications for surgery include posterior capsule rupture in 42 patients and zonular dehiscence in 8 patients. Postoperative vision improved to 6/12 to 6/9 in majority of patients at the end of 6 weeks. Complications like striate keratopathy seen in 26 patients, horizontal oval pupil in 32, and cystoid macular oedema in 2 and suprachoroidal haemorrhage in 1 patient. Conclusion: Iris claw intraocular lens implantation can be done in eyes with complicated cataract surgery with inadequate posterior capsular support. It gives patients good visual acuity postoperatively with fewer complications.