Complete anterior segment reconstruction: Corneal transplantation and implantation of an iris prosthesis and IOL in a single surgery

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2021 Nov;31(6):3300-3308. doi: 10.1177/1120672121991052. Epub 2021 Jan 28.

Abstract

Purpose: Patients who have suffered an ocular trauma may present with varying degrees of injury to the anterior segment. In this retrospective interventional case series, we report the outcome of seven patients who underwent complete anterior segment reconstruction in a single surgery.

Methods: All patients with posttraumatic corneal decompensation or scar, aphakia, and iris defect underwent human donor corneal graft transplantation and implantation of an intraocular lens combined with a flexible silicone iris prosthesis. Postoperative examinations included assessment of best corrected distance visual acuity, objective refraction, and intraocular pressure. Sensitivity to glare and subjective discontent with the eye's appearance was rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 standing for low and 10 for high severity.

Results: Mean best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) was 1.51 ± 0.26 logMAR preoperatively and 1.29 ± 0.36 logMAR postoperatively. Mean IOP was 15.71 ± 8.94 mmHg pre-surgery and 13.57 ± 6.52 mmHg post-surgery. The mean sensitivity to glare was reduced from 7.17 ± 2.91 to 3.80 ± 3.43 and subjective cosmetic disfigurement was reduced from 5.33 ± 3.35 to 1.80 ± 1.60.

Conclusions: A single surgery technique for entire anterior segment reconstruction in trauma patients can effectively reduce glare and patient discontent with the eye's appearance.

Keywords: IOLs; Trauma; cornea/external disease; corneal transplantation; lens/cataract; penetrating keratoplasty; secondary IOL implantation.

MeSH terms

  • Corneal Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Iris / surgery
  • Lens Implantation, Intraocular
  • Lenses, Intraocular*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Visual Acuity