Implantation of ArtificialIris, a CustomFlex irisprosthesis, in a trauma patient with an Artisan lens: A case report and review

Utilizing 3D Printing Technology to Create Prosthetic Irises: Proof of Concept and Workflow

PURPOSE

There are currently limited treatment options for aniridia. In this context, 3D printed iris implants may provide a cost-effective, cosmetically acceptable alternative for patients with aniridia. The purpose of this study was to develop a proof-of-concept workflow for manufacturing 3D printed iris implants using a silicone ink palette that aesthetically matches iris shades, identified in slit lamp images.

METHODS

Slit lamp iris photos from 11 healthy volunteers (3 green; 4 blue; 4 brown) were processed using k-means binning analyses to identify two or three prominent colors each. Candidate silicone inks were created by precisely combining pigments. A crowdsourcing survey software was used to determine color matches between the silicone ink swatches and three prominent iris color swatches in 2 qualifying and 11 experimental workflows.

RESULTS

In total, 54 candidate silicone inks (20 brown; 16 green; 18 blue) were developed and analyzed. Survey answers from 29 individuals that had passed the qualifying workflow were invited to identify "best matches" between the prominent iris colors and the silicone inks. From this color-match data, brown, blue, and green prototype artificial irises were printed with the silicone ink that aesthetically matched the three prominent colors. The iris was printed using a simplified three-layer five-branch starburst design at scale (12.8 mm base disc, with 3.5 mm pupil).

CONCLUSIONS

This proof-of-concept workflow produced color-matched silicone prosthetic irises at scale from a panel of silicone inks using prominent iris colors extracted from slit lamp images. Future work will include printing a more intricate iris crypt design and testing for biocompatibility.

The artificial iris - Analysis of various implantation techniques after ocular trauma

Purpose

The aim of this study is to analyze the outcome of various techniques for a custom-made iris prosthesis implantation as part of reconstructive anterior segment surgery following traumatic aniridia.

Methods

This retrospective interventional study was done for 6 eyes that received an artificial iris as secondary reconstructive measure for photophobia and unsatisfactory vision following initial globe repair. Different implantation techniques were employed. These included simple sulcus implantation, implantation of a composite (iris prosthesis with attached intraocular lens) implant, and combinations with phacoemulsification, vitrectomy, and penetrating keratoplasty.

Results

In all cases, the artificial iris was implanted successfully. In the follow-up period (1-48 months), postoperative complications included rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, prolonged intraocular inflammation, and corneal transplant decompensation due to graft rejection. There was no case of secondary glaucoma. Complications could be managed successfully. All patients showed improved best-corrected visual acuity and were satisfied with functional and cosmetic results.

Conclusion

This case series highlights the different implantation techniques for reconstruction of the anterior segment after ocular trauma. The versatility of the custom-made iris implant accounts for a wide range of applications and the foldable material reduces the need for large incisions in the already traumatized eye.

Aesthetics of iris reconstruction with a custom-made artificial iris prosthesis

Patients with large iris defects not only suffer from functional disadvantages but also from aesthetic limitations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aesthetic outcome of iris reconstruction using an artificial iris (AI). In this study, 82 eyes of 79 consecutive patients with mostly traumatic partial or total aniridia that underwent iris reconstruction surgery using a custom-made silicone AI (HumanOptics, Erlangen, Germany). Pre- and postoperative photographs of 66 patients were analysed subjectively and objectively. Subjective evaluation was based questionnaires. Objective evaluation included measurement of pupil centration and iris colour analysis. Averaged hues from iris areas were transferred to numerical values using the LAB-colour-system. Single parameters and overall difference value (ΔE) were compared between AI and remaining iris (RI), as well as AI and fellow eye iris (FI). Patients, eye doctors and laymen rated the overall aesthetic outcome with 8.9 ±1.4, 7.7 ±1.1 and 7.3 ±1.1 out of 10 points, respectively. Mean AI decentration was 0.35 ±0.24 mm. Better pupil centration correlated with a higher overall score for aesthetic outcome (p<0.05). The AI was on average 4.65 ±10 points brighter than RI and FI. Aniridia treatment using a custom-made artificial iris prosthesis offers a good aesthetic outcome. Pupil centration was a key factor that correlated with the amount of aesthetic satisfaction. The AI was on average slightly brighter than the RI and FI.