ECA Physician Implants New Artificial Iris

Dr. Stephen Hamilton is one of few in the country to implant new, FDA-approved artificial iris.

ATLANTA, GA, July 20, 2018 (eReleases) – Stephen M. Hamilton, M.D. of Eye Consultants of Atlanta is one of the few experts in the country performing a new sight-restoring procedure using the first-ever stand-alone artificial iris approved by the FDA.

On May 30, 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the CustomFlex Artificial Iris. This thin medical-grade silicone device underwent several rounds of investigation by its creator, Human Optics, before approval was granted. The technology is designed to treat congenital aniridia and other ocular conditions, as well as trauma that results in damage to the iris, which is responsible for controlling the size of the pupil, and thus the eye’s ability to allow more or less light through to the retina.

“Patients with iris defects may experience severe vision problems, as well as dissatisfaction with the appearance of their eye,” said Malvina Eydelman, M.D., director of the Division of Ophthalmic, and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Today’s approval of the first artificial iris provides a novel method to treat iris defects that reduces sensitivity to bright light and glare. It also improves the cosmetic appearance of the eye in patients with aniridia.”

The CustomFlex Artificial Iris is custom created for each patient, based on both the color and appearance of the fellow eye. This specialized procedure is only performed by a handful of specialists in the United States, owing to the groundbreaking nature of the artificial iris. Dr. Hamilton, one of these specialists, has already treated thirty patients in need of the new artificial iris, including multiple patients who lived with a damaged iris for many years after trauma. “Thanks to this new device, their quality of life has improved substantially. The cosmetic improvement and the reduction in light sensitivity are remarkable,” said Dr. Hamilton. The procedure is now available for other qualified patients.

Eye Consultants of Atlanta serves patients from 10 medical offices in the greater Atlanta area. They specialize in every aspect of eye care – from comprehensive exams to the most complex eye disorders. They have offices in Atlanta, Buckhead, Cumberland, Fayetteville, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Newman, Peachtree Corners, and Stockbridge. For more information please visit their website: www.eyeconsultants.net