Repairing iridodialysis by riveting with a double-flanged polypropylene suture

Abstract

Three patients with iridodialysis were recruited. A 6-0 polypropylene suture was cut to the proper length and flanged by cautery. A long (19.0 mm), ultrathin 30-gauge needle was inserted in the anterior chamber from the sclera around the iris and penetrated in the dialyzed iris, then exited through the cornea on the contralateral side. The flanged polypropylene suture was inserted in the needle from the unflanged side. After the 30-gauge needle was withdrawn, the flanged suture remained, passing the dialyzed iris and sclera. The unflanged ends of the polypropylene sutures were cut and flanged until each flange reached the sclera. It was easy to place multiple sutures. There were no cases of extrusion of the suture nor of the recurrence of iridodialysis up to 1 year. This technique is a good alternative to repair iridodialysis.