Ptfe (Seramon®) Thread In Iol Fixation: A Novel Alternative To Eptfe

To evaluate the clinical outcomes and advantages of 6-0 Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sutures (Seramon®) for intraocular lens (IOL) fixation using the four-flanged technique, compared to traditional expanded PTFE (ePTFE).

Retrospective study at two tertiary academic medical centers (Hadassah University Medical Center and Tel Aviv Medical Center).

47 eyes of 47 patients (mean age 70.14±19.5 years) undergoing four-flanged IOL fixation with 6-0 PTFE sutures were followed for one year. IOL types included Micropure (n=23), LuxGood (n=19), LuxSmart (n=1), PodEye Toric (n=1), and PMMA lenses (n=3). Postoperative assessments included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for both retinal status and IOL centration. Conjunctival-scleral reactions were also evaluated.

Mean BCVA improved significantly from 0.2±0.19 to 0.63±0.19 (decimal). Mean IOP remained stable at 17.75±5.68 mmHg. OCT confirmed excellent IOL centration and stable retinal status in all cases, with minimal tissue reaction. Complications were infrequent: cystoid macular edema (CME) in 3 cases and suture extrusion in 2 cases, all successfully managed. PTFE sutures demonstrated superior handling, easier scleral burial, and reduced tissue reaction compared to ePTFE.

6-0 PTFE sutures offer a safe, effective, and cost-efficient alternative to ePTFE for four-flanged IOL fixation. They provide excellent visual outcomes, stable IOP, and minimal tissue reaction, with improved handling characteristics. Rare complications are easily managed.