Epithelial downgrowth after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery

• Main Authors: Han Kim, Michele C. Lim, Mark J. Mannis, Esther S. Kim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2019-09-01
• Series: American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451993618302597

Purpose: To present the case of a 72-year-old female with epithelial downgrowth after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. Observations: The patient previously underwent YAG vitreolysis after uncomplicated femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and presented 1 year later with epithelial downgrowth causing complete pupillary block and severe angle closure glaucoma. Subsequent management with nd:YAG peripheral iridotomies failed rapidly leading to a confusing presentation with a flat anterior chamber and high intraocular pressure ultimately requiring surgical management. Conclusions: We describe the occurrence of epithelial downgrowth after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and illustrate the utility of ultrasound biomicroscopy to differentiate between severe pupillary block and malignant glaucoma. Keywords: Epithelial downgrowth, Epithelial ingrowth, Pupillary membrane, nd:YAG capsulotomy, Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, Ultrasound biomicroscopy, Pupillary block, Secondary angle closure glaucoma