Purpose: To evaluate the visual outcome after optical sector iridectomy in cases of corneal opacities.
Methods: Seventeen eyes of 17 patients with preoperative visual acuity of <6/60 in the affected eye underwent sector iridectomy in a prospective clinical study at a tertiary eye care center. Of 17 cases, 11 had corneal opacities after healed keratitis, four after trauma, and one each due to alkali burns or trachoma. The sector iridectomy was undertaken in cases in which one sector of the cornea and lens was fairly clear. Success was defined as attainment of ambulatory visual acuity of 6/60 or better.
Results: Mean age of the patients was 32+/-2.3 years. Most eyes had deep vascularized corneal scars (13 eyes). Optical sector iridectomy was performed most frequently in the lower nasal quadrant (11 eyes) followed by the lower temporal quadrant (four eyes). Of 17 eyes, 16 achieved a visual acuity of 6/60 or better. No intra-or postoperative complications were encountered.
Conclusion: Optical sector iridectomy in cases of corneal opacities is a simple and safe procedure that can improve visual outcome and provide ambulatory vision to patients. It is a valuable alternative to penetrating keratoplasty if penetrating keratoplasty is not possible or not promising for various reasons.