A NEW STANDARD IN FUNCTIONAL AND AESTHETIC RENOVATION OF THE EYE
The first implantation of an artificial iris of the type was performed at the Clinic for Eye Diseases of the Split University Hospital Center. ARTIFICIAL IRIS manufacturer HumanOptics in Croatia, which set a new standard in the treatment of patients with severe eye injuries. The operation was performed by Assoc. Prof. Prim. Ljubo Znaor, MD, with the assistant Dr. sc. Josip Marin Lovrić, MD, and the instrument operators Bacc. Med. Tech. Sanja Ćurić and Med. Tech. Nada Smodlak.
This is an innovative implant that is individually manufactured to closely mimic the appearance of the natural iris of the other, healthy eye. This not only solves the glare problem that patients without an iris are exposed to, but also achieves an excellent aesthetic effect.
Treatment and installation process
The patient who received the implant suffered a severe penetrating injury to his left eye at work. Despite the severity of the injury, the wound was treated promptly and the cornea healed with minimal scarring. However, the trauma resulted in the loss of the iris and natural lens, and the interior of the eye was filled with blood. The first stage of treatment involved a vitrectomy – a surgery to remove blood from the eye and allow for assessment and repair of damaged structures.
After the eye was stabilized, the patient was implanted with an artificial lens using the yamane, in which the lens is fixed to the white of the eye (sclera) without suturing, which is today one of the most modern approaches for patients without support for classic lens implantation.
Although the patient achieved visual acuity of as much as 80% in that eye after the procedure, he had to use the so-called "eye contact lens" for daily functioning. prosthetic contact lens – a special lens worn over the eye without an iris to reduce glare and aesthetically conceal the defect. However, such lenses require daily maintenance and careful handling, which was not feasible for the patient – given the nature of his job.
Why an artificial iris?
"For the reasons described, the team decided to create a permanent solution by implanting an individually made artificial iris. The operation was successful, and the achieved result allowed the patient to have quality vision and normal daily functioning, without the need for additional aids. The installation of such an implant represents a major step forward not only for the functional rehabilitation of the eye, but also for the psychological and social health of patients, especially those who feel uncomfortable in society or have difficulties in their professional lives due to the appearance of their eyes," said Prof. Scientist.
This is yet another proof of the commitment of KBC Split and the team of the Eye Clinic to providing the most modern and individualized medical care. "This is another in a series of steps forward by our Clinic. We continue to learn and work so that we can provide our patients with the most modern medical care," said the head of the Eye Clinic, prof. dr. sc. Kajo Bucan, Dr. med.
Photo: Kbsplit
