A Surprising Cause for Corneal Edema after Cataract Surgery: A Missed Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Haptic Remnant

Abstract

We present a case of retained intraocular lens (IOL) haptic segment in the anterior chamber, diagnosed seven months following a reportedly uneventful cataract surgery due to manifestation of inferior corneal edema. Specular microscopy revealed low endothelial counts of 513/mm(2). Upon diagnosis, prompt surgical removal of the IOL haptic segment resulted in rapid resolution of the corneal edema within a week. Despite the clearing of the cornea, no improvement in the visual acuity occurred and cystoid macular edema was diagnosed and treated with topical anti-inflammatory agents and two intra-vitreal anti-VEGF injections, followed by complete resolution of ocular findings and improvement of the visual acuity.

Keywords: Cornea; edema; haptic; retained.