THE ARTIFICIAL IRIS The Artificial Iris is a new custom-made iris prosthesis with excellent cosmetic appearance (Dr. Schmidt Intraocularlinsen GmbH, Germany). This device is indicated for congenital aniridia and acquired iris defects for sulcus placement. Recently endocapsular use has been reported (Michael Snyder, AAO10/2009). It is not recommended for anterior chamber placement. .

The dimensions: 12.8mm standard overall diameter, pupil size 3.35mm and thickness is 0.40 centrally tapering to 0.25mm in the periphery.

The colorized silicone paste is applied by hand as either a single color or as individually selected color pattern that mimics the coloring of the natural iris, color matched to a photograph printout of the patient’s existing iris producing nearly an exact match. The color of the required photo print-out (hard copy) is evaluated and the order form is filled in, signed and dated by the surgeon and the patient. Written consent to the procedure is obtained before the images are sent to the manufacturer. The finished device is then sterilized and labeled for delivery. The color and surface topography of the iris is naturalistic and the custom color-match provides a cosmetically aesthetic restoration with very high patient satisfaction. According to the manufacturer there have been over 230 implantations of these prostheses done world-wide (as of March 15, 2010) since its first use in November of 2002.

The device is manufactured from proven biocompatible silicone and delivered as a full 360º iris. It is available in a model with a fiber meshwork layer that provides adequate tear strength to withstand suturing and a fiber-free model for sutureless implantation technique.