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Adapted from
The Business of Life Sciences:- Bio Spectrum (Asia Edition) @www.biospectrumasia.com
Singapore hospital performs Asia's first iris prosthesis implantation
Singapore, Dec 6, 2010: Asia’s first customized flexible iris prosthesis implantation surgery was performed at Singapore's Gleneagles Hospital in September by Dr Christopher Khng, consultant ophthalmologist & medical director, Eyewise Vision Clinic. The customized flexible iris prosthesis implantation is an advanced procedure of anterior segment reconstruction, used to repair defects or damage in the pupil or iris, or to treat Aniridia (congenital absence of iris tissue). This breakthrough surgical procedure is currently only available at Gleneagles Hospital.
Patients who require anterior segment reconstruction often suffer from a severe eye injury or surgical trauma. Dr Khng performed Asia’s first customized flexible iris prosthesis implantation surgery on a 59-year old patient who suffered severe right eye injury due to an accident which happened two years ago. The day surgery which lasted about one hour was a success; and the patient has been recovering well. Prior to this procedure, the patient had to withstand intolerable glare and light disability.
Dr Khng comments, "This new customized flexible iris prosthesis implantation is an advanced technique, which is already performed in America and Europe. With our recent success and experience, patients in Singapore and from the region can now receive this treatment closer to home.”
Typically, iris implants which are used in such reconstruction procedures are flat, made of hard plastic and available only in limited colors, which may not match the patient’s natural eye color. Such implants also require a large incision for insertion.
It is the first flexible customised implant to last for life and patients experience faster recovery due to smaller insertion. The customised flexible implants require a mere 3.2 mm opening, a substantial reduction from the 10.5 mm cut required with old flat, hard plastic implants. The procedure is able to achieve better colour match and improved aesthetic outcome for patients by complementing the exact colour of the patient’s natural eye. Patients are able to see clearly with less glare and sensitivity to light. Dr Christopher Khng specialises in complex cataract and iris reconstruction. He received formal training in Cincinnati Ohio, USA in 2004 and has years of experience in cataract and iris reconstruction surgery.
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