A Case of Late-onset Capsular Block Syndrome, Resulting in the Misdiagnosis of Intraocular Lens Opacity

PURPOSE: We report a case of late-onset capsular block syndrome, which resulted in a misdiagnosis of intraocular lens (IOL) opacity. CASE SUMMARY: A 59-year-old man visited our clinic with reduced visual acuity in the right eye from 1 year prior. He had undergone uncomplicated bilateral cataract surgery by phacoemulsification with IOL implants at another hospital 10 years before. There was no specific history with the exception of hypertension. After being diagnosed in the ophthalmology clinic with IOL degeneration and opacity in the right eye, he was referred to our hospital for IOL replacement. Upon examination, his right uncorrected visual acuity was 0.06 and intraocular pressure was 22 mmHg. The refractive error could not be checked due to IOL opacity. Slit-lamp microscopy revealed a cloudy, milky IOL. Anterior-segment optical coherence tomography of the right eye showed retention of a highly reflective material in the lens capsule behind the IOL. Posterior capsule enlargement of the right eye was confirmed on ultrasound biomicroscopy. After neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy was performed, the homogeneous space disappeared and the eye recovered normal visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Capsular block syndrome is a rare complication that can occur shortly (1 day to 2 days) after cataract surgery. Late-onset capsular block syndrome, which occurs 10 years after surgery differs from typical clinical manifestations. Thus, capsular block syndrome is an important consideration upon the presentation of opacification due to IOL degeneration.

Change in Axial Length in Highly Myopic Adults Using Partial Coherence Interferometry

PURPOSE: To investigate the change in axial length (AL) in highly myopic adults using partial coherence interferometry, and to identify the factors associated with the increase in AL. METHODS: Medical records of highly myopic adults (≥ −6 diopters [D] or AL ≥ 26.0 mm) were retrospectively reviewed. The AL of each patient was measured using partial coherence interferometry at least three times over 2 years, and the yearly change in AL was calculated. Associations between age, AL, choroidal thickness, and the rate of AL change were evaluated using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: In total, 24 patients (4 males, 20 females) and 44 eyes were included in this study. The mean age was 54.9 ± 10.4 years, the initial AL was 29.335 ± 2.006 mm, the choroidal thickness was 72.7 ± 41.80 µm, the average spherical equivalent was −11.86 ± 3.85 D (−5.1~−22.0 D), and the mean follow-up period was 2.2 ± 0.5 years. A significant increase in AL of ≥0.05 mm was observed in 38 eyes (86.4%) at 2 years. The mean AL was significantly increased, to 29.409 ± 2.007 mm (p < 0.001), at 1 year and to 29.476 ± 2.028 mm (p < 0.001) at 2 years. The average rate of AL change was 0.071 ± 0.049 mm (−0.01~0.19 mm) per year. None of the included factors showed an association with the rate of AL change in multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, an increase in AL in highly myopic adults was more frequent than in previous reports using A-scan. Periodic measurements are therefore recommended for the early detection of complications.

Mycophenolate Mofetil for Chronic Uveitis in Koreans

PURPOSE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on chronic uveitis in Korean patients. METHODS: This study included 25 patients with chronic uveitis who used MMF and were followed up more than 6 months in 2 referral centers from 2010 to 2014. The medical records were analyzed retrospectively. The therapeutic effect was assessed based on control of inflammation, corticosteroid sparing effects, and discontinuation of MMF, and the safety was assessed based on side effects. Control of inflammation was defined as no active inflammation observed on at least 2 consecutive visits 28 days apart or more. RESULTS: The 25 patients consisted of 18 males and 7 females. The mean age of the patients was 47.52 years. The etiology of uveitis was as follows: Behcet's disease in 15 patients (60%), Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease in 4 (16%), sympathetic ophthalmia in 2 (8%), systemic lupus erythematosus in 1 (4%), and idiopathic uveitis in 3 (12%). Anatomic classification was anterior uveitis in 20% and posterior uveitis or panuveitis in 80% of patients. Complete control of inflammation was achieved in 44% and 50% of patients within 6 months and 1 year, respectively. Systemic corticosteroid dosage was reduced to 10 mg of prednisone or less while maintaining sustained control of inflammation in 36% and 45% of patients for 6 months and 1 year, respectively. MMF was discontinued in 3 patients (12%) due to side effects and in 2 patients (8%) due to lack of effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: MMF was effective and side effects were uncommon when managing chronic uveitis in Korean patients.

Two Cases of Recurrent Enterococcus Faecalis Endophthalmitis after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To report 2 cases of recurrent Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) endophthalmitis after uneventful phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. CASE SUMMARY: Case 1: A healthy, 75-year-old female presented with a sudden visual loss and ocular pain 2 days after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. After successful treatment with intravitreal antibiotics injection, the infection was apparently cleared. At 1 month after the initial presentation, recurrent endophthalmitis occurred and was resolved with vitrectomy, silicon oil tamponade, and intravitreal antibiotics injection. Two months after vitrectomy, the silicone oil was removed and the patient's final visual acuity improved to 20/400 5 months later. Case 2: A healthy, 74-year-old female presented with a sudden visual loss 2 days after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. After successful treatment with intravitreal antibiotics injection, the infection was apparently cleared. One month later, recurrent endophthalmitis occurred and was resolved with vitrectomy, posterior capsulotomy, and intravitreal antibiotics injection. Forty days later, the patient had a similar relapse. The infection resolved with IOL explantation, silicon oil tamponade, and repeated intravitreal antibiotics injections. E. faecalis was identified at the first and recurrent episode. Vancomycin and ceftazidime were used for each intravitreal administration. Silicone oil removal and IOL scleral fixation were performed and the patient's final visual acuity was 20/40 5 months later. CONCLUSIONS: Close monitoring for recurrences is recommended in endophthalmitis due to E. faecalis after phacoemulsification even after a successful initial treatment.

Corneal Burn Caused by Carbon Dioxide Ultrapulsed Laser for Nevus Removal

PURPOSE: Periocular carbon dioxide ultrapulsed laser surgery can induce ocular damage. Herein we report a rare case of corneal burn after carbon dioxide ultrapulsed laser for nevus removal. CASE SUMMARY: A 25-year-old female patient presented with ocular pain, decreased visual acuity, and metamorphopsia in the left eye after laser surgery for nevus removal at a dermatology clinic 4 days prior. The patient's best corrected visual acuity in the left eye was 20/100. Central corneal haziness and corneal epithelial defect were observed on biomicroscopic examination. Antibiotics, steroid and artificial tear eye drops were administered for treatment. Glasses were prescribed to correct refraction errors. After 2 months of treatment, the best corrected visual acuity in the left eye recovered to 20/50, and corneal epithelial defect was mostly healed, however corneal haziness remained. CONCLUSIONS: Carbon dioxide ultrapulsed laser is commonly used in dermatological treatments. The use of an eye shield is important during this procedure, and possibility of ocular surface damage from laser treatment should be considered.