Albinism Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Albinism, including details on pigmentation, genetic trait, heritability.

Outcomes of prosthetic iris implantation in patients with albinism.

Karatza EC, Burk SE, Snyder ME, Osher RH

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.

Published 24 September 2007 in J Cataract Refract Surg, 33(10): 1763-9.
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