IN-THE-BAG HYPHEMA AFTER INTRAOCULAR-LENS IMPLANTATION

In-the-bag hyphema, the collection of blood in the endocapsular space between the posterior capsule and the intraocular lens (IOL), is a rar e postoperative complication of IOL implantation in the capsular bag. We report three cases. In Case 1, the hyphema did not obscure the visu al axis and thus no treatment was given; the hyphema reabsorbed sponta neously within 3 months. Case 2 was successfully treated with a neodym ium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy. Although a fibrin membrane on the IOL's anterior surface in Case 3 made it difficult, an Nd:YAG capsulot omy was performed followed by subsequent YAG laser dissection of the f ibrin membrane. We believe that for improved simplicity, safety, and e fficacy in such a case, membrane dissection should be done at the time of the capsulotomy.