Sulcus IOL placement

When the posterior capsule is compromised, an IOL may be placed in the ciliary sulcus instead of the capsular bag. Lens choice and power both change.

Which lenses can go in the sulcus

Sulcus placement generally requires a 3-piece lens with a large optic, smooth (non-square) edges, and adequate overall length. Single-piece acrylic lenses with thick, square-edged haptics are not designed for sulcus placement. Each lens page in this database lists a Location field showing whether the manufacturer specifies capsular bag, sulcus, or both.

Power adjustment

A lens sitting in the sulcus is more anterior than the same lens in the bag, so its effective power is higher and the implanted power must be reduced. The adjustment increases with lens power.

Browse lenses with a documented sulcus location on the manufacturer pages, or see the piggyback IOL calculator for supplementary sulcus lenses.