[Implantation of black diaphragm intraocular lenses in congenital and traumatic aniridia]

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the black diaphragm intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for the treatment of congenital and traumatic aniridia.

Seven black diaphragmatic IOLs were implanted in the eyes of 6 patients between 1997 and 1998. There were 5 males and 1 female. The mean age of them was 42.8 years (range: 22-54 years). Follow-up ranged from 9 to 20 months (mean: 14.2 months). Traumatic aniridia was present in 4 eyes and congenital aniridia in 3 eyes. Pars plana vitrectomy was combined with the simple outside-in method of scleral fixation of IOLs in 6 cases. Three of these eyes were aphakic (all with traumatic aniridia) and in 3 eyes (two congenital cases, one traumatic case) subluxated lens was simultaneously removed. In one case of congenital aniridia with mature cataract, ECCE and ciliary sulcus implantation without scleral fixation were performed.

There were very few complications. Ciliary sulcus bleeding appeared in 2 cases during scleral fixation. Transient post-operative corneal oedema was observed in 2 eyes, raised intraocular pressure in 3 eyes, and dispersed blood in vitreous cavity in 2 eyes. All IOLs were well centred. The improvement in best corrected visual acuity was achieved in 5 cases, while good pre-operative best corrected visual acuity was maintained in 2 cases.

Diaphragmatic IOL can be fixated to the sclera in cases without capsular support or it can be implanted into ciliary sulcus after ECCE. Reconstruction of 5 mm pupil and intraocular correction of aphakia enable good visual rehabilitation of patients. The combined procedure of pars plana vitrectomy and scleral fixation of diaphragmatic lens is safe and effective in traumatic and congenital aniridia.