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.
It used to be that people born without an iris or a damaged iris due to a penetrating eye injury had to live with no functioning way to control the amount of light entering their eye.
This caused severe light sensitivity, glare, and difficulty focusing on objects near and far at the same time. Also, patients had concerns with the appearance of their eye as well.
In 2018, the HumanOptics CustomFlex Artificial Iris Implant received FDA approval and changed our patient's lives forever.
The Customflex Artificial Iris allows a controlled amount of light to enter the eye while providing shade to the perimeter for those with damaged natural irises. The CustomFlex aids vision by decreasing light sensitivity and nighttime glare.
What's more, it improves depth perception and the ability to distinguish colors. It not only improves vision quality but also creates a more satisfying cosmetic appearance. The iris matching is done so well that, in clinical trials, 94% of patients reported that they were satisfied with the appearance of their new iris.
The CustomFlex is a pliable silicone disc that is rolled up and inserted through a 2.8 mm incision in the cornea (the clear outer covering of the eye). It is then unfolded to cover where the natural iris should be located.
No. There is no FDA approval for using iris implants for cosmetic purposes because it is a very dangerous and inadvisable use of these products which are not designed for implantation in front of healthy irises.
Dr. Assil has been on the leading edge of reconstructive eye surgery for 30 years and is pleased to offer his 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.
Kerry K. Assil, MD, is regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts in refractive surgery, having made significant advances in the field with his numerous inventions. Additionally he has the unique distinction of having trained thousands of eye surgeons in the latest refractive surgical techniques.
Dr. Assil has authored more than one hundred textbooks, textbook chapters and articles on refractive surgery and has appeared regularly on major television network news programs as a pioneer in refractive surgery. He also leads educational forums for other eye care professionals, which have included featured lectureships at Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University and Tokyo University.