Most recent by Michael Rosenberg, MD
Case study: Progressive corneal edema seen in cataract surgery patient
As reported by Henick and colleagues in 1994, removal of retained anterior chamber nuclear fragments after cataract surgery can lead to visual and symptomatic improvement. As surgical techniques and the quality of phacoemulsification machines with small-incision surgery have improved, small chips of nucleus occasionally hidden in the angle or behind the iris may go unnoticed. The amount of postoperative inflammation is greater with nuclear than cortical fragments, which often do not require intervention other than topical corticosteroid treatment. Risk factors include increased myopia, axial length and steep keratometry readings. Indications for removal include chronic inflammation, increased IOP and corneal decompensation. Small particles can resolve without intervention other than topical corticosteroid drops.