IRIS RETRACTION SYNDROME AFTER INTRAOCULAR SURGERY

Background: The authors report the postoperative development of iris r etraction syndrome in two individuals. This is a rare syndrome that ca n present with pupillary block after an unrepaired rhegmatogenous reti nal detachment. Patients: The authors report two patients who had the iris retraction syndrome shortly after intraocular surgery. One patien t had pupillary block that developed 6 months after cataract extractio n and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. A second patien t had uveitis, hypotony, and pupillary seclusion 4 weeks after pars pl ana vitrectomy. Results: Both patients were treated successfully with a scleral buckling procedure and peripheral iridectomy. Conclusion: Po stoperative uveitis that occurs with iris retraction and pupillary sec lusion should alert the physician of an occult retinal detachment and warrant a thorough dilated funduscopic examination. Features unique to this report include the development of iris retraction syndrome in th e presence of a pseudophakos, the rapidity of onset of this disorder a fter retinal detachment, and its masquerade as a persistent postoperat ive uveitis.