title: Use of the artificial iris implant in patients with aniridia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aniridia (or partial aniridia) often occurs as a result of a penetrating ocular trauma. This condition may cause symptoms including glare, light sensitivity, reduced vision, and asymmetric appearance. Options for these patients include specialty contact lenses, corneal tattooing, and artificial iris implants. This article details six patients who experienced penetrating trauma with significant iris tissue loss and who chose to have an artificial iris implant.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six patients with traumatic aniridia were enrolled in a single-site, single-surgeon study. They were followed for one year postoperatively. All six were complex cases that had multiple eye problems, such as aphakia, corneal scarring, corneal graft rejection, and retinal detachment. All participants were male. All patients experienced decrease in glare and light sensitivity following artificial iris implant surgery. Two experienced improved best-corrected vision (BCVA). All six patients felt the cosmetic appearance of their affected eye improved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The artificial iris device provides an effective means of treating traumatic aniridia. Optometrists often work with patients who have experienced a penetrating ocular trauma, with complete or partial aniridia as a complication. In cases in which nonsurgical means are not effective in returning the patient to comfort and productivity, an artificial iris implant should be considered.
authors.affiliation: Minnesota Eye Consultants, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404, USA. mjbrown@mneye.com
authors.forename: Marlane J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Hardten
authors.forename: Kimberly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Knish
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015783:Aniridia / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007498:Iris / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation