Novel Surgical Approach for Aphakia and Iridodialysis: Artificial Iris and Scleral-Fixated Lens as a Single Complex.

Background

Artificial iris (AI) implantation is an innovative and increasingly utilized surgical procedure for injured eyes with iris trauma.

Methods

A 76-year-old female and a 34-year-old male presented at the emergency department with a traumatic corneo-scleral laceration and perforated corneal ulcer, respectively. Emergency surgeries were performed to restore ocular integrity. In both cases, a modified surgical technique involving the implantation of an AI was performed; however, two different models of AI were used.

Results

The AIs were sutured with four stitches directly to the scleral-fixated (SF) intra ocular lens (IOL), and the AI-IOL complexes were implanted, as a single unit, and fixated to the sclera using the lens haptics. Before and after the surgery, patients underwent a comprehensive eye examination, including a visual acuity test. The AI-SF IOL complexes remained well positioned, with no intraocular or extraocular complications observed during the follow-up evaluations of both patients.

Conclusions

We reported a straightforward and repeatable modified surgical technique for two patients with two models of AI, both sutured to the SF IOL and fixated to the sclera, as a single unit. This approach may serve as an excellent alternative for managing aphakic eyes with extensive iridodialysis or partial aniridia.