Re-formation of absent anterior chamber by iris incision using a 20-gauge knife in eyes with advanced paediatric vitreoretinopathies

Background: To present the novel usage of iris incision in paediatric patients lacking an anterior chamber due to various advanced vitreoretinopathies.Methods Forty-one patients (41 eyes) were enrolled in this consecutive, prospective study. Iris incision was performed in all patients. The number of iris incision times, surgical procedures, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were collected. Patients were followed up for at least 6 months.Results Anterior chamber formation was achieved with only 1 initial episode of iris incision in 28 (68.3%) eyes, with 2 episodes in 11 (26.8%) eyes, and with 3 episodes in the remaining 2 (4.9%) eyes, which also underwent 1 episode of external SRF drainage. Except for iris incarceration, which occurred in 7 (17%) of the eyes during surgery, no other related complications were noted at the last follow-up.Conclusions This novel use of iris incision is effective, simple and safe in the management of an lost anterior chamber.