Glaucoma and Corneal Decompensation Following Cosmetic Iris Prosthesis Implantation: A Case Report

Purpose: This case report illustrates the difficult management of complications produced following the bilateral iris implant of the NewColorIris (NewColorIris, Kahn, and Medical Devices. Methods: We report the case of a 36-year-old man who was referred to our outpatient clinic because of bilateral glaucoma showing a poor response to medical treatment and anti-glaucoma surgery. The young man had received an iris implant (NewColorIris, Kahn, Medical Devices) in both eyes for cosmetic purposes 5 years earlier. Surprisingly, his clinical records revealed a strictly normal ophthalmologic examination (visual acuity (VA) was 20/20 in both eyes) following NewColorIris explantation. Subsequent to this the patient required new artificial iris implantation, 2 anti-glaucoma surgeries (trabeculectomy+Ex-press®shunt placement) and cataract surgery in both eyes, and DSAEK in the left eye. On presentation, his VA was 20/200 in both eyes, endothelial cell count was less than 1000 and he showed diffuse corneal edema, iris retraction, anterior synechiae, iris implant in the sulcus, multifocal IOL and an intraocular pressure of 40 mmHg in both eyes. Results: Poor pressure control was resolved through Ahmed valve placement in both eyes though his vision remains poor. Conclusions: This clinical case highlights the serious, poorly manageable, irreversible complications produced by the NewColorIris implant.