A NEW TREATMENT FOR PHOTOPHOBIA IN POSTTRAUMATIC ANIRIDIA - A CASE-REPORT

Purpose. Using staining pigments with which we had gained experience i n dermatography (medical tattooing) treatments of leucoma corneae, a n ew approach was developed to create an artificial iris-like staining a t the mid-stromal level of the cornea to treat photophobia in a patien t with posttraumatic aniridia. Methods. After a central 4-mm half-dept h trephination, a lamellar dissection of the corneal stroma toward the limbus was performed. A combination of colored pigments was introduce d into this midstromal space, until a light blue artificial iris (to m atch the contralateral eye) with adequate blocking of light was create d. Results. A stable artificial iris was created in the mid-stromal le vel of the cornea. Conclusion. Dermatography pigments are stable in th e corneal stroma and are useful to treat photophobia in aniridia follo wing trauma.