New Tool For Implantation Of Sutureless Scleral Fixation Intraocular Lens (Carlevale Iol)

To show new forceps specially designed for the implantation of sutureless scleral fixation intraocular lens (Carlevale IOL)

Unità Operativa di Oftalmologia, A.R.N.A.S. Ospedali Civico Di Cristina Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy

Twenty aphakic patients underwent Carlevale IOL implantation using a new forceps to grasp and externalize the transcleral plugs of the IOL. This new technique has been compared with the classic one in which crocodile gripping or Eckardt vitreoretinal forceps are used for this purpose. Two groups of 20 patients each (20 eyes each) were evaluated during Carlevale IOL implantation with these two different techniques.

Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates and time to surgery were reported. There was a difference between the two techniques regarding the incidence of intraoperative complications such as IOL rupture, which was greater in the crocodile gripping or Eckardt forceps group (40%) than in the new forceps group (0%). Postoperative complications (corneal edema, cystoid macular edema) decreased with the use of the new forceps. There was no difference between the surgeries performed by different surgeons, which demonstrated that the new forceps are easy to use without having a learning curve. Surgery time was reduced in the group with the new forceps compared to the other group (27,05 ± 3,14 minutes vs 43,08 ± 4,24 minutes).

This new forceps dedicated to the sutureless scleral fixation implant with Carlevale IOL has proven effective and safe in aphakia surgery. The surgical technique is simplified by the shape and design of the forceps, making it easier to grasp and externalize the plug of the IOL,  reducing surgery time and intra and postoperative complications.