A retained lens fragment induced anterior uveitis and corneal edema 15 years after cataract surgery

Korean J Ophthalmol. 2011 Feb;25(1):60-2. doi: 10.3341/kjo.2011.25.1.60. Epub 2011 Jan 17.

Abstract

A 60-year-old male was referred to the ophthalmologic clinic with aggravated anterior uveitis and corneal edema despite the use of topical and systemic steroids. He had undergone cataract surgery in both eyes 15 years previous. Slit lamp examinations revealed a retained lens fragment in the inferior angle of the anterior chamber, with severe corneal edema and mild anterior uveitis. The corneal edema and uveitis subsided following surgical extraction of the lens fragment. That a retained lens fragment caused symptomatic anterior uveitis with corneal edema 15 years after an uneventful cataract surgery is unique. A retained lens fragment should be considered as one of the causes of anterior uveitis in a pseudophakic patient.

Keywords: Anterior chamber; Cataract; Lens fragment; Recurrent anterior uveitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cataract Extraction / adverse effects*
  • Corneal Edema / etiology*
  • Corneal Edema / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Lens, Crystalline / pathology*
  • Lens, Crystalline / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Pseudophakia / pathology
  • Reoperation
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Uveitis, Anterior / etiology*
  • Uveitis, Anterior / pathology*