[Complications after cosmetic iris implantation].

We report the case of a 37-year-old patient with ocular complications associated with the implantation of cosmetic iris implants. Implantation of silicone iris implants for the purpose of changing iris colour has been performed since 2004. Diaphragms are implanted in the anterior chamber. Up to now only little information exists about side effects of this method. In the literature severe ocular complications shortly after cosmetic iris implantation are reported in single cases. In our case 5 months after surgery optic nerve damage caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) was diagnosed. Nuclear opacity of both lenses and a decreased number of corneal endothelial cells were observed at the first visit. Because of recurrent IOP elevation despite maximum antiglaucoma therapy, explantation of the iris implants was required. Damage to the trabecular meshwork, opacity of the lenses as well as the reduced number of endothelial cells are permanent and will probably lead to further complications like corneal decompensation and progressing glaucoma.