Complications of retained nuclear fragments in the anterior chamber after phacoemulsification with posterior chamber lens implant.
OBJECTIVE
We report two cases in which retained nuclear fragments in the anterior chamber after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber lens implant resulted in intraocular complications.


METHODS
Case reports.


RESULTS
In two eyes of two patients, retained nuclear fragments resulted in minimal anterior chamber reaction but substantial corneal edema and reduced visual acuity. Topical anti-inflammatory medications did not alter the postoperative course. Improvement occurred only when the nuclear fragments were surgically removed.


CONCLUSIONS
Retained nuclear fragments in the anterior chamber can cause corneal edema and reduced vision that may be reversed by removing the fragments.
Bohigian
G M
GM
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
Wexler
S A
SA
D000368:Aged; D000867:Anterior Chamber / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D015715:Corneal Edema / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007907:Lens Nucleus, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D007906:Lens Subluxation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012086:Reoperation; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D014792:Visual Acuity