Best Prophylactic Strategy in Groups at Risk of Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome Development: Comparison Between Atropine Instillation and Adrenaline Intracameral Injection

Dealing with floppy iris syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study was to review and summarize recent findings and advancements regarding intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS). Although many improvements have been made for the management of IFIS, it remains a challenging condition for surgeons. An understanding of the syndrome as well as the multitude of tools to mitigate risk of complication is important for surgeons operating on high-risk patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

A variety of management approaches have been modified and improved or further supported with new data, such as intracameral compounds, intraoperative devices and surgical techniques.

SUMMARY

An understanding of risk factors is important for the identification of at-risk patients. A variety of approaches can greatly reduce incidence of IFIS complications. Multiple management strategies should be utilized to further reduce risk during these difficult surgeries.

Preoperative atropine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the prevention of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome

PURPOSE

To examine the efficacy of preoperative administration of topical atropine 1% and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for prevention of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS).

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent cataract surgery by phacoemulsification between July 2019 and February 2020 in two hospitals were included. Both hospitals are located in central Israel, have similar patient demographics and employ similar surgical techniques. They, however, differ in policy of IFIS prevention. In Meir Medical Center no preventive medications are given pre-operatively, while in Shamir Medical Center patients at-risk for IFIS receive topical atropine 1% once daily and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) thrice daily for 3 days preoperatively.

RESULTS

Overall, 207 eyes of 207 patients with history of alpha-antagonist use were included. Mean age was 74.9 ± 7.8 years and 82.1% (n = 170) were male. Among patients from the pretreating center 86.8% (n = 92/106) were pre-treated with either NSAIDs or atropine preoperatively, while in the non-pretreating center no treatment was prescribed (n = 0/101). IFIS rate among the non-pretreating center was 29.7% (n = 30/101) compared to 15.1% (n = 16/106) in the pretreating center (p = 0.012). When strictly comparing treated to untreated patients, the treated group had an IFIS rate of 12.0% compared to 30.4% among untreated (p = 0.001). Adjusted for age and gender results remain consistent (odds ratio 0.329 for treated patients, 95% confidence interval: 0.150-0.720; p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

IFIS rates were significantly lower in the pretreating center compared to the non-pretreating center. When comparing strictly treated to untreated patients, differences were even more pronounced.

Silodosin as a predisposing factor of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS): an observational propensity score-matching cohort study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the correlation between silodosin and intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) and compare it with other a1-adrenergic receptor antagonists (a1-ARAs) and other factors predisposing to IFIS.

METHODS

From the patients who underwent phacoemulsification between 2014 and 2020, we identified all patients who, during their preoperative assessment, reported an a1-ARAs intake (exposed group). These patients were matched utilizing a propensity score matching analysis with an otherwise homogenous group of patients (control group) based on demographics and systemic/ocular comorbidities.

RESULTS

A total of 350 patients were included in each group. In the exposed group, 177 (50.6%) patients were exposed to tamsulosin, 105 (30%) to alfuzosin, 43 (12.2%) to silodosin. Regarding IFIS, it was observed in 21.5% of patients on tamsulosin (38/177), 11.4% on alfuzosin (12/105), 37.2% on silodosin (16/43), and 3.4% in the controlled group (12/350). In a multiple regression model analysis, the only two factors significantly associated with IFIS development were silodosin and tamsulosin yielding an adjusted odds ratio of 8.471 (95%CI 4.005-17.920) and 3.803 (95%CI 2.231-6.485), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Silodosin has been demonstrated as a predisposing factor, strongly correlated with IFIS development. These results should increase cataract surgeons' awareness to assess their patients preoperatively for exposure to silodosin carefully and employ the appropriate prophylactic measures to ameliorate the impact of silodosin intake on the surgical outcome.

Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome: an updated review of literature

Intraoperative Floppy iris syndrome(IFIS) remains a challenge for surgeons during phacoemulsification. Initially, it was related to the use of tamsulosin, an alpha adrenergic receptor blocker used in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Subsequently, other alpha adrenergic receptor such as alfuzosin, terazosin and doxazosin alongwith different other class of medications and systemic risk factors were identified. Other class of medications includes 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, angiotensin receptor antagonist, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics and antidepressants. Other risk factors include increasing age, male gender, diabetes, hypertension and decreased preoperative pupil diameter. It is very important for surgeons to identify these risk factors preoperatively and take appropriate preoperative and intraoperative measures to tackle the dreaded complications of IFIS. Sometimes, it is important for an ophthalmologist to work in cooperation with physician and urologist to minimize the complications. In conclusion, awareness of the risk factors associated with IFIS, their detailed preoperative assessment and intraoperative measures and surgical intervention is crucial in addressing IFIS. Lack of awareness can turn a routine, uneventful surgery into one with significant visual morbidity.

Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome Induced by Tamsulosin: The Risk and Preventive Strategies

Tamsulosin is an antagonist of a subtype-specific alpha-1A- and alpha-1D-adrenoceptor (AR) that is expressed in the prostate gland, urethra, and bladder. Several reports have shown a possible relationship between ophthalmologic adverse effects and the use of alpha-1-receptor medicines, including tamsulosin. This descriptive review evaluates the intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) associated with tamsulosin. A search of the Medline and PubMed databases was conducted to identify control trials, case reports, and observational examinations published in English. The publication dates were restricted (January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2020). Keywords (tamsulosin, alpha-blocker, ocular, eye, adverse reaction, and IFIS) were used in the searches. The searches identified 66 studies including in vitro or in vivo studies, trials, and observational studies. Twenty-two (33.33%) studies were articles citing tamsulosin and IFIS as having confirmed potential risk to ocular safety. The results of this review, including a comprehensive summary of published research on tamsulosin use in different populations, have identified several articles showing associations between tamsulosin and IFIS that merit further investigation. Suspending of potential causative pharmacological treatment of IFIS before ocular surgery including tamsulosin, proper identification of at-risk patients, preoperative prophylaxis treatments, and surgical technique modifications clearly can mitigate the anticipated risk of IFIS induced by tamsulosin.

Management of common iatrogenic iris defects induced by cataract surgery

The proximity of the iris to the instruments and currents of cataract surgery makes iatrogenic damage to the iris a common complication of cataract surgery. This article discusses techniques to prevent or minimize this damage. When damage does occur, the surgeon must decide if, when, and how to repair the damage. Principles governing these decisions and techniques for repair are discussed. Figures and videos, included as online Supplemental Data files, illustrate cases of iatrogenic damage and repair techniques.

A narrative review of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome: an update 2020

Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) is characterized by intraoperative floppiness or billowing of the iris, progressive miosis, and iris prolapse through the surgical wounds. It was originally reported about fifteen years ago, which was later identified to be closely associated with tamsulosin, the most commonly used α1 adrenoceptor antagonist for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A variety of risk factors, including age, gender, hypertension, axial length of the eye, 5α-reductase inhibitors, other α adrenoceptor antagonist and neuromodulators, have been connected with IFIS. If IFIS occurs during phacoemulsification surgery, complications such as corneal endothelial loss, iris trauma, posterior capsule rupture (PCR), high intraocular pressure and vitreous loss are significantly increased. Therefore, preoperative evaluation of high-risk patients and appropriate intraoperative intervention is crucial to avoid severe complications. This review summarizes the pathogenesis and clinical features of classic IFIS, and provides some clinical pearls to ophthalmologists that may help identify, prevent or reduce IFIS associated complications. Additionally, from the perspective of clinical occurrence of IFIS, there are some recommendations for urologists as well. In conclusion, both ophthalmologists and urologists should be aware of this special clinical situation and communicate with each other about their own fields. A multidisciplinary interaction is of importance to simplify potentially complicated clinical issues.

Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome: Updated Perspectives

Almost fifteen years since its initial description, intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during phacoemulsification surgery remains a challenge for cataract surgeons in all its key aspects that include the stratification of the preoperative risk, preoperative prophylaxis treatment, surgery design and intraoperative management. Since its original association with tamsulosin intake, IFIS has been positively correlated with a plethora of risk factors which include: gender, age, hypertension, other a1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, finasteride, angiotensin II receptor inhibitors, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, hypertension drugs and decreased dilated pupil diameter. The assessment and stratification of the preoperative risk is pivotal in screening patients prone to develop IFIS. For these patients, it is essential that preoperative prophylaxis, employment of necessary measures and surgical technique modifications are considered. A multidisciplinary approach of IFIS is a mandate, thus ophthalmologists, urologists and sometimes other specialties should cooperate to “educate” each other about the risks of their respective fields. They both must be aware of the joint statement on IFIS by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery which suggests either the initiation of tamsulosin after phacoemulsification or the use of a non-selective a1-ARA for benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment. In conclusion, awareness of the risk factors associated with IFIS and their detailed preoperative documentation is crucial in addressing IFIS. The lack of such an awareness can turn a routine, uneventful surgery into one with significant visual morbidity.