Purpose: In this study we wanted to gain experiences with a new black diaphragm IOL concerning surgical postoperative difficulties in traumatic aniridia.
Patients: Since June 1991 we have implanted the IOL prototype and the modifications into 13 eyes with traumatic aniridia. The IOL was transsclerally sutured in 11 eyes without capsular support and it was positioned in front of capsular remnants in two eyes. In eight eyes penetrating keratoplasty was necessary. The mean follow-up period was 17 (1-34) months.
Results: The seventh IOL modification can be implanted safely now. Persistent intraocular inflammation (Tyndall +) has been observed in all eyes postoperatively but it seems to disappear slowly. Its effect upon the corneal endothelium and the development of cystoid macula edema is still under investigation. Secondary glaucoma has been the greatest postoperative problem: It could be controlled medically in five eyes, surgically in two eyes, but remained uncontrolled in one eye. Implantation of the IOL improved visual acuity in 11/13 eyes.
Conclusion: Rehabilitation of eyes with traumatic aniridia by implanting the new black diaphragm IOL still presents some unsolved problems, especially uncontrolled secondary glaucoma and prolonged intraocular inflammation. In spite of many encouraging aspects we advise to be rather cautious and self-restrictive in this group of patients.