Small-incision insertion of artificial iris prostheses

Abstract

In this interventional case series, a flexible iris prosthesis was implanted in consecutive patients with sight-compromising iris defects. Each prosthesis was injected via a clear corneal microincision as part of a planned combined procedure. Iris insertion was accompanied by cataract removal or implanted using an intraocular lens injector during glaucoma tube shunt placement in a pseudophakic eye. All 4 patients experienced a positive outcome that was visually beneficial. These early cases suggest that with responsible patient selection and appropriate postoperative management, flexible posterior chamber iris implants can be placed successfully, with significant visual benefit, via a corneal microincision in eyes with congenital, traumatic, or uveitic iris defects.