Late capsular bag contraction and intraocular lens subluxation in retinitis pigmentosa: a case report

Abstract

IntroductionRetinitis pigmentosa is clinically characterized by loss of predominantly rod photoreceptor function as well as loss of peripheral vision. The classic clinical triad is considered to be the presence of bone spicule pigmentation in the peripheral retina, arteriolar attenuation, and waxy disc pallor. Cataracts, most commonly of the posterior subcapsular type, are often found in all forms of retinitis pigmentosa. Ectopia lentis and lens dislocation are known risk factors for those with retinitis pigmentosa, presumably secondary to zonular fiber weakness and vitreous degeneration. The post-operative complication of lens dislocation following cataract extraction in patients with retinitis pigmentosa has also been documented.Case presentationWe report a case of severe capsular bag contraction with intraocular lens subluxation following cataract extraction in a 58-year-old Hispanic woman with retinitis pigmentosa.ConclusionPatients with retinitis pigmentosa undergoing cataract surgery should be notified of this potentially late complication of surgery.

Long-term clinical results after cataract surgery with and without capsular tension ring in patients with retinitis pigmentosa: a retrospective study

“…Nevertheless, the potential postoperative complications may be frustrating. 6 To address these, additional implantable devices were conceived. 5 Whether to utilise them remains up to the surgeon's preference.…”

Rapid anterior capsular contraction after phacoemulsification surgery in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa

“…The occurrence of anterior capsule contraction or phimosis has been reported, ranging from months to years after uneventful cataract surgery 7,8,10,11. It is alarming to note that our patient and Nikpoor and Stone’s9 patient developed this similar problem less than a month following surgery.…”

“…According to our search of the PubMED and MEDLINE databases, there are few published case reports regarding contraction of the anterior capsule following cataract surgery in patients with retinitis pigmentosa 7–11. The occurrence of anterior capsule contraction or phimosis has been reported, ranging from months to years after uneventful cataract surgery 7,8,10,11.…”

“…These include phototoxic retinal damage during the surgery,1–3 postoperative macular oedema,2,4–6 and posterior capsular opacification 7–11. These conditions may result in poor visual acuity in patients with retinitis pigmentosa following the cataract surgery.…”

Triads in Ophthalmology: A Comprehensive Review

“…10 The classical triad of retinitis pigmentosa consists of pale optic discs, attenuated retinal arterioles, and bony spicule pigmentation. 37 It is a group of diffuse retinal dystrophies initially predominantly affecting the rod photoreceptor cells with subsequent degeneration of cones (rod-cone dystrophy). It is the most common hereditary fundus dystrophy.…”