CALCIFIC PHACOLYSIS - SALVAGEABLE VISION FOLLOWING TREATMENT

Calcific phacolysis has been previously described histopathologically in the enucleated eyes of three patients with unilateral posttraumatic total blindness. Each eye showed dissolution of a mature cataractous lens with dispersion of calcific lens material throughout the globe. W e studied a patient in whom the signs of calcific phacolysis developed 19 months following intraoperative dislocation of a cataract into the vitreous. Partial removal of calcific particles was achieved by subto tal vitrectomy and lensectomy, with subsequent penetrating keratoplast y. Corneal histopathological findings showed a deposition of calcified lens particles between Descemet's membrane and retrocorneal fibrous m embrane. Despite diffuse retinal calcification, the patient's visual a cuity was 20/400. To our knowledge, this is the first report of calcif ic phacolysis occurring after surgical dislocation of a cataract into the vitreous and wherein treatment resulted in some preservation of vi sion. Early diagnosis and aggressive therapy may improve the visual pr ognosis in this condition.