Congenital aniridia with cataract: case series

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Congenital aniridia often coexists with cataracts, posing surgical challenges.
• Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is a standard cataract surgery technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification, capsular tension ring (CTR) placement, and foldable IOL implantation in patients with congenital aniridia and cataract.
• To assess the impact of postoperative colored contact lenses on photophobic symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Prospective case series of 10 patients (17 eyes) with congenital aniridia and cataract.
• Phacoemulsification via a 3.2 mm clear corneal incision with a <6 mm continuous circular capsulorhexis.
• Implantation of a CTR and a HOYA yellow foldable posterior chamber IOL; postoperative colored contact lens wear.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (LogMAR 1.03 to 0.78, p=0.000).
• Marked reduction in photophobic symptoms.
• Corneal endothelial cell density decreased postoperatively (3280 to 2669 cells/mm², p=0.006) without decompensation or secondary glaucoma.

Conclusions:

• Phacoemulsification, CTR placement, and foldable IOL implantation are safe and effective for congenital aniridia with cataract.
• Postoperative colored contact lenses effectively manage photophobia in this patient group.