Determination of haptics of transsclerally fixated posterior chamber lenses by high-resolution ultrasound: a comparison of two different instruments

Background: The ciliary sulcus as the intended location of transsclerally f ixated posterior chamber lenses (PCL) is withdrawn From the surgeon's view. Using high-resolution ultrasound, we acquire pictures that postoperatively allow us to determine the position of the haptics. Methods: After transscleral fixation of PCLs in nine patients, we localized the haptics (central part and distal part of the haptic) by high-resolutio n ultrasound using the Ultra-sound Biomicroscope 840 (Humphrey, 50 MHz) and the13-System-ABD(M & C, 20 MHz). Results: In most cases the central part of the haptic was located in the ci liary sulcus in most cases (UBM 840: 5/18; 13-System-ABD: 6/18). In 6/36 ca ses the results of evaluation of the positioning pf the haptic were differe nt in both ultrasound examination systems. Conclusions: Both kinds of instruments lead to a sufficiently exact locatio n of the haptics in all cases Due to the higher resolution of the UBM 840 t he structures of the ciliary body can be better demonstrated. The disadvant age, however, is that the instrument is more difficult to handle than the13 -System-ABD.