Optical iridectomy: an alternative to penetrating keratoplasty in corneal opacity

Dr Anand Kumar Kularia; Dr C S Vyas

Volume : VIII, Issue : V, May - 2019

Optical iridectomy: an alternative to penetrating keratoplasty in corneal opacity

Dr Anand Kumar Kularia, Dr C S Vyas

Abstract :

INTRODUCTION: The corneal opacity is common among farmers and stone mine workers. Often minor corneal injury mistreated by quacks result in corneal opacity. Optical iridectomy creates a clear visual line to retina and improving vision in patients without requiring penetrating keratoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 15 patients who underwent optical iridectomy from January 2017 to January 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Fifteen patients with leucomatous corneal opacities with some clear cornea had undergone optical iridectomy. In five patients there was cataract so simultaneous extra capsular surgery was also performed. The optical iridectomy site was selected after slit-lamp examination. To rule out posterior segment pathology, indirect ophthalmoscopy after pupillary dilatation and B-scan ultrasonography was done. Visual acuity was assessed pre- and postoperatively by snellens chart. RESULTS Mean age of patients was 23years to 52 years. The follow-up period was between 2 to 12 months. For optical iridectomy the inferonasal quadrant was preferred when possible. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. Visual acuity improved to 6/18 to 6/60 in five patients and eight patients had visual acuity with in 6/60 to 1/60, rest two of them did not show any improvement despite having a clear red reflex. CONCLUSIONS: In cases where peripheral clear cornea is available optical iridectomy is an valuable alternative to penetrating keratoplasty. It is a low cost and early rehabilitation procedure. It can be done at any eye center doesn�t require eye bank and organ transplant permission.