Purpose:
Flanged iris hooks have been used off-label for capsular bag stabilization and IOL centration in complicated cases of cataract surgery in previous reports. However, there is no data on the optimal flange technique of iris hooks made from different materials. Therefore, this laboratory study was conducted to investigate the flange properties of different iris hooks.
Setting:
[masked]
Design:
Laboratory Study
Methods:
The flanging properties of four different iris hooks made from polypropylene (PP), elastic polymer and nylon were investigated with different heating distances and both with and without forceps gripping. The maximum diameter of the flanges was measured, and the shape of the flanges was evaluated.
Results:
While both nylon and elastic polymer iris hooks had too small flange diameters for intrascleral fixation, PP iris hooks had a sufficient flange diameter (>330µm) and mushroom-like shape. Furthermore, in PP hooks heating distance was directly proportional to flange diameter.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study suggest that only PP iris hooks are suitable for flanged intrascleral fixation, which is off-label, to secure adequate fixation.