Late-onset lens particle glaucoma as a consequence of posterior capsule rupture after pars plana vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To report the treatment of late-onset lens particle glaucoma associated with posterior capsule rupture during pars plana vitrectomy. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 33-year-old man had severe pain and impaired vision in the left eye after vitrectomy, associated with white fleck-like particles circulating in the anterior chamber. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was 38 mmHg. The anterior lens capsule was intact, however, lens particle glaucoma was diagnosed by the slit-lamp examination, B-mode ultrasonography and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). The lens material was removed by irrigation-aspiration after the patient remained face down for two hours to facilitate precipitation of the lens material from the vitreous into the anterior chamber. IOP after the procedure was 21 mmHg. CONCLUSION: Posterior lens capsule may be disrupted during vitrectomy. Although the anterior lens capsule is intact, lens particle glaucoma should be considered when IOP increases with particulate matter circulating in the anterior chamber. Surgical removal of this material may be sufficient to control IOP without the need for additional glaucoma surgery.