COMPLICATIONS OF RETAINED NUCLEAR FRAGMENTS IN THE ANTERIOR-CHAMBER AFTER PHACOEMULSIFICATION WITH POSTERIOR CHAMBER LENS IMPLANT

PURPOSE: We report two cases in which retained nuclear fragments in th e anterior chamber after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber len s implant resulted in intraocular complications. METHODS: Case reports . RESULTS: In two eyes of two patients, retained nuclear fragments res ulted in minimal anterior chamber reaction but substantial corneal ede ma and reduced visual acuity. Topical anti-inflammatory medications di d not alter the postoperative course, Improvement occurred only when t he nuclear fragments were surgically removed. CONCLUSIONS: Retained nu clear fragments in the anterior chamber can cause corneal edema and re duced vision that may be reversed by removing the fragments.