Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS): A practical approach to medical and surgical considerations in cataract extractions

Abstract

Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery is characterized by iris fluttering, iris prolapse towards the incisions, and a progressive pupillary constriction leading to high rates of complications. The syndrome has been reported following the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with α-1a adrenergic receptor inhibitors, especially tamsulosin. The present paper describes the syndrome and discusses its pharmacological background. Several techniques to prevent and to deal with the syndrome are presented. © 2009 Acta Ophthalmol.