Outcomes of prosthetic iris implantation in patients with albinism.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of implantation of prosthetic iris devices in patients with albinism.

SETTING

Private practice, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

METHODS

This retrospective noncomparative case series comprised 13 eyes of 8 patients with diminished pigment epithelium of the iris secondary to albinism. All eyes had anterior segment surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) and prosthetic iris device implantation. Eleven eyes received an endocapsular-type iris reconstruction implant (Morcher aniridia interdigitating rings), and 2 eyes (1 patient) received a combined iris-IOL device (Ophtec model 311). The visual acuity, subjective glare reduction, postoperative anatomical outcomes, and intraoperative or postoperative complications were reviewed.

RESULTS

All eyes achieved the desired anatomic result. The best corrected visual acuity improved in 8 of 13 eyes, remained stable in 3 eyes, and decreased in 2 eyes. Glare and photophobia improved subjectively in 6 of 8 patients, remained unchanged in 1 patient, and increased in 1 patient after implantation of an artificial iris diaphragm. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Implantation of prosthetic iris devices appears to be useful in the management of patients with iris deficiency secondary to albinism. The procedure was safe and particularly effective in reducing glare and photophobia in most patients.