to between the 1:00 to 2:00
o'clock and 7:00 to 8:00 o'clock positions. He was taught the superior approach
in his training at L.S.U. He considered placing the implant at the 3:00 and 9:00
o'clock position, horizontally, but did not do so for other reasons, primarily
for "astigmatism control," because the wound is the weakest location,
and because of the risk of "UGH" syndrome. (4)
Dr. Marvelli testified that the sector iridectomy was a serious consideration
in performing implant surgery on Alston's right eye, with a possibility of
dislocation if any part of the foot piece or haptic of the lens was over the
iridectomy opening. His purpose in the surgery was to get the haptic over solid
iris and resting on the sclera spur to prevent dislocation. He agreed that the
upper haptic of the implant should beover solid iris to prevent dislocation. He
further agreed that, if any part of the loop of the haptic was over the opening
of the iridectomy it would be below the standard of care and negligent. In
performing Alston's right eye implant, Dr. Marvelli testified, he placed the
haptic over solid iris.
In Dr. Marvelli's opinion, Alston's rubbing of her eyes contributed to the
dislocation in December of 1996, as shown by the eye's irritation, redness,
tearing, and visual changes. He testified that, if there is trauma, there is
risk of dislocation, no matter where the implant is positioned. Out of hundreds
of implants, Alston is the only patient he had seen with a dislocation of an
implant.
At seven months after the first implant procedure, the haptics should have
been scarred into the iris by fibrous growth. When he