A novel technique to release sticking haptic of a single-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOL using irrigation-aspiration probe.

Purpose: To describe a novel technique to release sticking haptic of a single-piece hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) using irrigation-aspiration (I/A) probe.

Methods: In our technique, the I/A probe is introduced into the anterior chamber on Visco mode. Using the aspiration port of the I/A probe, the sticking haptic is held at its tip and suction force is built up until occlusion is noted. Then the haptic is nudged towards the center of the IOL along its curve. After the haptic is free from optic, the suction is released.

Results: Several techniques have been described to release the sticking haptic such as squeezing the haptic at the site where it sticks to the IOL or using Sinskey hook for releasing the adhesion. These techniques require extra manipulation of the IOL by introduction of surgical instruments. In our technique, we used the I/A probe itself for separating the sticky haptic successfully.

Conclusions: This technique allows separation of sticking haptic without any extra instrumentation, thus reducing intraocular maneuvering and total surgery time.