Cataract surgery combined with implantation of an artificial iris.

We describe 6 patients who presented with cataract or aphakia and absent or nonfunctional irides. The etiologies included congenital aniridia, traumatic iris loss, and chronic mydriasis secondary to recurrent herpetic uveitis. In 5 eyes, a prosthetic iris was successfully implanted in combination with small incision cataract surgery. In 2 eyes, a single-piece iris diaphragm and optical lens was implanted. Artificial irides offer a safe alternative for patients who previously had no viable options for iris reconstruction.