Iris Cerclage To Treat Persistent Mydriasis Following Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma Improves Visual Quality.

PRCIS: We developed a modified iris cerclage technique that improves best corrected visual acuity, pupillary parameters, self-assessed photophobia, and visual function index-14 questionnaire scores in patients with acute primary angle closure and permanent mydriasis after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a modified iris cerclage technique in patients with acute primary angle closure (PAC) and permanent mydriasis after cataract surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 12 eyes of 12 patients with acute PAC and permanent mydriasis at more than 3 months after phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation underwent modified iris cerclage. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), pupil diameter, and visual function index-14 (VF-14) questionnaire and self-assessed photophobia scores before surgery and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively were compared. Further, the postoperative pupil position and morphology and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS: BCVA improved from 0.48±0.23 preoperatively to 0.28±0.15, 0.27±0.15, and 0.26±0.14 at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively, respectively (P=0.008). No significant difference was observed between the preoperative and postoperative IOP (P=0.974). Pupil diameter improved from 6.34±0.51 mm preoperatively to 3.59±0.33, 3.59±0.34, and 3.58±0.32 mm at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively, respectively (P<0.001). Self-assessed photophobia scores improved from 3.33±0.78 preoperatively to 0.83±0.72, 0.51±0.15, and 0.45±0.14 at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively, respectively (P<0.001). VF-14 scores improved from 47.6±6.1 points preoperatively to 67.9±6.2, 72.1±6.1, and 73.5±6.0 points at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively, respectively (P<0.001). Postoperatively, all pupils were centered and round. No postoperative complications, such as iris-suture slippage, iridodialysis, or exposure of the IOL's optical zone edge, were observed.

CONCLUSION: Modified iris cerclage creates a centered, precisely sized, round pupil. It improves visual quality in patients with acute PAC and permanent mydriasis after cataract surgery.