Cosmetic iris implants

Iris prosthetic devices offer significant benefit in patients with iris defects with subsequent glare and light sensitivity. These devices are properly made and properly placed devices and have been shown to have excellent results. The same cannot be said for cosmetic iris implants, unapproved devices for which patients are travelling to Panama to change the colour of the iris, typically to blue. Researchers at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary report a case series highlighting some of the serious problems associated with the implants. The report covers 14 eyes of seven patients who received the NewColorIris cosmetic iris implants. Nine eyes presented with decreased visual acuity, seven had elevated IOP, five had corneal oedema, and five had anterior uveitis. All 14 eyes had explantation of the iris prosthesis. Intraoperative complications included suprachoroidal haemorrhage during explantation in one eye. Postoperative complications included corneal oedema, cataract, and increased IOP/glaucoma. In an accompanying editorial, Dr Nick Mamalis calls for both patients and physicians to seriously reconsider the use of this cosmetic iris implant device in healthy phakic eyes. A Hoguet et al., JCRS, “Serious ocular complications of cosmetic iris implants in 14 eyesâ€,

Volume 38, Issue 3, 387-393.

N Mamalis, “Cosmetic iris implantsâ€, Volume 38, Issue 3, 383.