Black-diaphragm intraocular lens for correction of aniridia

In cooperation with Morcher GmbH, we developed a black-diaphragm aphakia intraocular lens (IOL) designed to correct congenital and traumatic aniridia. Since June 1991, we have implanted this IOL into five eyes with congenital aniridia combined with cataract, and into eight eyes with traumatic aniridia combined with cataract or aphakia. Positioning the IOL was rather difficult, especially in the traumatic cases with inadequate capsular support, and in combination with penetrating keratoplasty. After up to 15 months' follow up, functional results are encouraging. However, slight persistent intraocular inflammation was observed in all of the eyes, more obviously in the traumatic cases. The effect of the IOL on the corneal endothelium is still being investigated. Cystoid macular edema was observed in one eye, but probably preexisted in this eye, following several earlier surgical procedures. Glaucoma was observed preoperatively in five eyes; postoperatively, in six. After surgery, it was controlled medically in 4 eyes, surgically in 1, and remained uncontrolled in 1.