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Management of aniridia and iris defects: An update on iris prosthesis options

  • Wills Eye Hospital

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

58 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review examines the advantages and limitations of the various iris prostheses as treatment for aniridia. Recent findings Multiple prosthetic iris devices have been developed for implantation in eyes with aniridia. However, none is currently approved for use in the USA. Summary Aniridia can be congenital or traumatic in etiology and can lead to glare and other visual disturbances. Treatment options include colored contact lenses, corneal tattooing, and corneal stromal implants, although these carry significant risks of infection and corneal scarring. Prosthetic iris devices can often simultaneously treat aphakia or cataract as well as aniridia, and various models are currently available around the world from Morcher GMBH (Kapuzinerweg 12, 70374 Stuttgart, Germany), Ophtec USA Inc. (6421 Congress Ave Suite 12, Boca Raton, FL 33487, USA) and HumanOptics (Erlangen, Germany). Surgical planning and technique are important in optimizing the safety of these devices. The CustomFlex iris prosthesis from HumanOptics can be implanted within the capsular bag or ciliary sulcus with scleral fixation and offers excellent cosmetic outcomes. At present, the HumanOptics prosthetic iris is being investigated in a multicenter clinical trial.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)244-249
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent Opinion in Ophthalmology
Volume27
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

Keywords

  • Aniridia
  • Iris defect
  • Iris prosthesis

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