BACKGROUND: Optical iridectomy creates a clear entrance pupil, improving vision in patients with segmental corneal opacities. An area of clear peripheral cornea can produce retinal images compatible with good visual acuity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 22 children who underwent optical iridectomy from January 2002 to June 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. The optical iridectomy site was selected after slit-lamp examination. Visual acuity was assessed pre- and postoperatively by an age-appropriate method. RESULTS: Twenty-two children with central corneal opacities underwent the procedure. Mean age was 10.4 +/- 12.6 months (range, 8-24 months). Mean follow-up period was 22.2 +/- 56.2 months (range, 8-140 months). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. Visual acuity improved to near normal in 4 children (18.2%). However, 4 children (18.2%) did not show any improvement, and 1 child lost vision. Two patients (9.1%) showed no improvement in vision despite maintaining a clear line of sight. CONCLUSIONS: Optical iridectomy is an alternative when penetrating keratoplasty cannot or should not be performed.
BACKGROUND: Optical iridectomy creates a clear entrance pupil, improving vision in patients with segmental corneal opacities. An area of clear peripheral cornea can produce retinal images compatible with good visual acuity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 22 children who underwent optical iridectomy from January 2002 to June 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. The optical iridectomy site was selected after slit-lamp examination. Visual acuity was assessed pre- and postoperatively by an age-appropriate method. RESULTS: Twenty-two children with central corneal opacities underwent the procedure. Mean age was 10.4 +/- 12.6 months (range, 8-24 months). Mean follow-up period was 22.2 +/- 56.2 months (range, 8-140 months). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. Visual acuity improved to near normal in 4 children (18.2%). However, 4 children (18.2%) did not show any improvement, and 1 child lost vision. Two patients (9.1%) showed no improvement in vision despite maintaining a clear line of sight. CONCLUSIONS: Optical iridectomy is an alternative when penetrating keratoplasty cannot or should not be performed.