The iris is the colored part of the eye. It plays a critical role in the overall health and function of the eye because it regulates how much light enters the eye, functioning much like a camera shutter.
Tiny muscles attached to the iris cause the pupil to contract and dilate, depending on how much light is present or what viewing distance is desired. When you're outdoors, the pupil contracts and the iris expands to protect too much light from entering the eye. In low light situations, the pupils open wide and the iris becomes relatively smaller, to allow as much light as possible to enter the eye, making it easier to see in dim lighting.
Iris problems are usually one of two problems:
Congenital aniridia. This condition is when one is actually born without an iris(es) or with incomplete irises.
Incomplete or torn irises. This usually caused by a penetrating eye event. This causes the eye to have no functioning mechanism to regulate how much light enters their eye.
These patients suffer from nighttime glare, severe light sensitivity, and difficulty seeing objects near and a little farther away clearly at the same time.
Having no iris or damaged iris can also negatively affect personal appearance and self-esteem.
In May 2018, the FDA approved the HumanOptics CustomFlex artificial iris implant that offers persons with absent or damaged irises improved vision by reducing light sensitivity and glare while improving the appearance of the iris.
Learn more about Artificial Iris Implants
The Assil Gaur Eye Institute has been on the leading edge of reconstructive eye surgery for 30 years and is pleased to offer its patients the Human Optics CustomFlex Artificial Iris Implant.
If you or a loved one has congenital aniridia or a damaged iris, we would be happy to examine you and discuss available options for improving your vision and quality of life.
Dr. Gaur's training and work experience at renowned ophthalmic institutions, including Tufts Medical Center and Boston-Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary, have given her extensive experience in state-of-the-art medical, laser and surgical management of glaucoma and cataracts. It is no exaggeration to report that she has performed thousands of sucessful cataract, glaucoma and LASIK surgeries.