Iris Implant Surgery process, implant types, and cost

OCL offers various corrective surgeries to repair iris and pupil abnormalities, including offering the HumanOptics Customflex Artificial Iris Implant. Iris and pupil problems may occur due to developmental abnormalities such as iris coloboma or aniridia, or due to accident or surgical trauma.

Please note that we do not perform cosmetic iris surgery to simply change eye colour.

years

of combined eye
surgery experience

30k

plus

eye surgeries
completed

550

plus

lectures nationally
and internationally

What is an iris implant?

An iris implant is a specialist medical device used to repair iris or pupil defects. We use Customflex HumanOptics artificial implant which is approved for aniridia or other defects caused by trauma.

The HumanOptics artificial iris implant is a unique device which is bespokely colour and detail matched to each patient. The iris implant can be introduced through a small incision into the eye, either on its own or at the time of cataract surgery or lens fixation surgery. The device is manufactured from medical grade silicone and is bio-inert within the eye.

The natural pupil controls how much light enters the eye and people with pupil or iris abnormalities may experience glare or haloes in sunlight or bright artificial light. Patients may also be self-conscious about the appearance of their eyes with an abnormal pupil and wish to have this corrected.

Types of iris implant

OCL offers implantation of the Customflex HumanOptics Artificial Iris, which is a CE marked/FDA approved medical device for repair of iris defects. The artificial iris requires that lens replacement surgery is performed at the same time.

OCL does not perform surgery to change eye colour as a cosmetic surgery.

Other methods for correcting coloboma are available. Coloboma repair in patients younger than 40-50 is normally better undertaken by directly suturing the iris tissue.

What is the process?

Consultation

We’ll take you through the process step by step and explain the potential complications to help you to weigh up the risks and benefits in order to make an informed decision regarding artificial iris surgery.

Treatment plan

Photographs will be taken of your eyes to allow the manufacturing team to create a bespoke custom matched artificial iris. Manufacturing time can take 6-8 weeks

Preparing for surgery

Our dedicated team of consultants, nurses and patient co-ordinators will take you through our pre-op process ensuring all your questions are answered and you’re totally at ease.

The procedure

The iris implant can be introduced through a small incision into the eye, either on its own or at the time of cataract surgery or lens fixation surgery.

Recovery

Your eye will feel moderately uncomfortable after surgery. Post op care includes using antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for 4-6 weeks.

Follow up consult

After your surgery, we’ll be in touch to support you and follow up. Your surgeon will check you at various time points after surgery.

Yearly checkup

We encourage yearly check ups to ensure your eye remains healthy. This includes corneal cell counts and other appropriate tests.