Black Diaphragm Intraocular Lens Implantation in Patients with Aniridia

PURPOSE: To review the management outcomes of black diaphragm intraocular (BDI) lens implantation in Arab patients with aniridia. METHODS: Patients with aniridia undergone BDI lens implantation at our institution between 2013 and 2014 were included. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), manifest refraction, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated before and 6 months and yearly after BDI lens implant surgery until the last visit. Intra- and postoperative complications were noted. RESULTS: Our series comprised 14 patients (8 males) with aniridia. The median duration of follow-up was 30 months (25% quartile). Ocular parameters, refractive status, and vison were all significantly improved at the last follow-up compared to the preoperative values (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). All patients reported a significant decrease in photophobia and glare. Postoperatively, 11 eyes (78%) gained 2 or more lines of UCVA. At the last follow-up, BCVA increased by 2 or more lines in all cases. Early postoperative complications included main wound leakage (one eye) and anterior chamber hyphema (one eye). Late (≥6 months) complications included corneal decompensation (one eye), failed penetrating keratoplasty graft (2 eyes), and subluxation of a scleral fixated BDI lens (one eye). Surgical interventions performed to manage complications included penetrating keratoplasty in 2 eyes with corneal decompensation and failed graft (one each), and re-suturing of a subluxated intraocular lens (one eye). CONCLUSION: BDI lenses seem to be a safe and effective iris prosthetic with intraocular lens combination surgery for patients with congenital or traumatic aniridia. Periodic evaluation and prompt management of complications are recommended.