Case Series: Late Postoperative Capsular Block Syndrome Causing Reduced Vision Years After Uncomplicated Cataract Surgery

Abstract

Significance: Late postoperative capsular block syndrome is a treatable complication presenting months to years after cataract surgery using continuous curvilinear anterior capsulorhexis and a posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Patients may present to optometric practices because of symptom onset significantly after the immediate post-operative period.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the defining clinical features, proposed pathophysiology, and treatment of late postoperative capsular block syndrome. Case 1 was a 68-year-old man who presented with a sudden onset of blurry vision in the right eye 2 years after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Clinical examination revealed turbid fluid distending the posterior lens capsule, a 2-D myopic shift, and an absence of intraocular inflammation. Laser posterior capsulotomy successfully released the trapped fluid and reversed the myopic shift without complication. Case 2 was a 67-year-old man who presented with a gradual onset of hazy vision in the right eye 7 years after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Cloudy fluid was observed to be filling the space between the intraocular lens and the posterior lens capsule, and the refractive error was stable. The fluid was liberated and visual function was restored with uncomplicated laser posterior capsulotomy.

Conclusions: Patients with late postoperative capsular block syndrome may present with blurry vision months to years after cataract surgery performed with continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and posterior capsule intraocular lens implantation. The defining clinical sign is entrapment of turbid fluid between the intraocular lens and the posterior capsule that may result in reduced vision or refractive error shift. Late postoperative capsular block syndrome is distinguishable from other late complications of cataract surgery, including delayed endophthalmitis or phacoantigenic uveitis, by lack of concurrent robust ocular inflammation.