ASCRS White Paper: clinical review of intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome

Intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome (IFIS) is associated with the use of systemic alpha(1)-antagonists, and tamsulosin in particular. The incidence and severity of IFIS are variable; however, the syndrome is associated with a higher rate of cataract surgical complications, especially when the condition is not recognized or anticipated. Questioning cataract patients preoperatively about current or previous use of alpha(1)-antagonists is therefore important. Intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome surgical management strategies include pharmacologic measures, the use of high-viscosity ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, and mechanical dilating devices. However, sphincterotomies and pupil stretching are ineffective. Whether used alone or in combination, these small-pupil techniques improve the surgical success rate in these cases. Stopping the alpha(1)-antagonist preoperatively is of questionable value.