Iris Fixation via External Pentagram Suturing

Extensive anterior synechia of the iris can result in the gradual disappearance of the anterior chamber. It is one of the most common outcomes of both oculopathy and complicated post anterior segment surgery. This can impact visual function and lead to bullous keratopathy, making it one of the most complex clinical problems. Conventional anterior chamber plasty will partially create the anterior chamber, but the anterior chamber disappears again in some cases. The main reasons are: (1) the iris lens diaphragm is loose with atrophied and tension-free iris so that the aqueous humor circulation will push and squeeze the iris forward; (2) the effect of "roller" formed in the process of inflammation or restoration will change the iris structure from peripheral anterior synechia (PAS) to extensive anterior synechia again; (3) the fibration will result in synechia from iris to the cornea. In such cases, corneal endothelium deficiency can't stop the aqueous humor from entering the cornea. This results in persistent corneal edema post-conventional anterior chamber plasty, resulting in progressive rubbing and lachrymation. Therefore, anterior chamber plasty is not the first choice for patients without surgical indications of Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). However, this can be performed in patients with surgical indications who plan to receive DSAEK. A unique method of iris fixation via external pentagram suturing anterior chamber plasty (PSACP) is described here. The present technique is also compared with the conventional anterior chamber plasty. PSACP and DSAEK might be an effective way to cure the bullous keratopathy with extensive anterior synechia of the iris and disappeared anterior chamber.