INDIANAPOLIS -- A 5-year-old New York City boy became the first child to receive an artificial iris in Indiana Tuesday.

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FDA Makes Exception For Boy

Michael Cruz, who was born without irises, received an artificial iris implant in his left eye during a 45-minute procedure at Indianapolis' St. Vincent Hospital.

The implant is part of a clinical trial that for the most part has been restricted to adults. Michael is the third child for whom an exception was granted by the federal Food and Drug Administration, Staying Healthy's Stacia Matthews reported.

Michael was born without the color part of his eyes, a condition called aniridia. Doctors say the artificial iris will reduce light sensitivity and glare and improve his vision.

"It's just like coming out of a movie matinee and into the bright sunlight. That's the way they are all the time," Dr. Francis Price said.

Michael said he's looking forward to watching TV because he has had to sit very close to the screen in order to see, Matthews reported.

"This is groundbreaking for the whole country, and I think it's extremely exciting," Price said.

The boy's parents said they hope he can return to Indianapolis in three months to have the procedure done on his right eye.