Effect of lens implants on iris fluorescein angiography and the iris pigment layer

Fourteen eyes underwent cataract operation and implantation of an iris fixated (Medallion) pseudophakos. Eleven had an uncomplicated per- and post-operative course (group 1), 3 had a subluxation of the lens implant (group 2). The control group (group 3) consisted of the 14 contralateral eyes from group 1 and 2. Two cadaver eyes had a similar lens implanted (group 4). Groups 1-3 were investigated by bilateral simultaneous iris fluorescein angiography and retroiridal stereo transillumination photography. In group 1, one case with pupillary and diffuse semiperipheral leakage areas was observed, in a clinically healthy eye 15 months after the operation. An other one had some leakage at the pupillary border, but not in the area of contact with the loops. Rubbing between iris surface and some parts of the lens did not provoke local leakage. No new vessel formation was found. Pigment layer defects were observed in every operated eye, but no leakage was related to them except in the two pupillary areas mentioned. Mayor pigment defects did not progress in a quiet eye. The iris seems to be to some degree resistant to contact with the parts of the intraocular lens implant.