Surgical technique for explantation of cosmetic anterior chamber iris implants.

UNLABELLED: The Newcoloriris is a silicone implant for cosmetic alteration of iris color. Implantation is associated with significant ocular complications of decreased vision, glaucoma, and corneal edema. Although removal of the implant also entails risks, it is ultimately necessary to preserve vision. We describe a technique for removing the implant that may also reduce intraoperative complications. The implant is explanted using a bimanual technique with small incisions in 3 sections via a "slicing-the-pie" technique using iris microforceps, microscissors, and microinstrumentation. Our patient required removal 5 years after implantation, which is the longest reported interval in the literature. This suggests that as long as these implants are present, ocular structures are at risk. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.