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Traumatic phacocele
R C Allen1, R R Gupta, R Poblete
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
Insights
A rare case of traumatic phacocele, or subconjunctival lens dislocation, occurred in a 42-year-old patient with a history of congenital glaucoma. This condition followed blunt eye trauma, highlighting a rare complication years after infant goniotomy surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Surgery
- Glaucoma Research
Background:
- Congenital glaucoma is a rare condition requiring early intervention.
- Goniotomy is a surgical procedure to treat congenital glaucoma.
- Long-term ocular health after goniotomy can be complex.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old patient with a history of congenital glaucoma and bilateral goniotomies presented with eye discomfort after blunt trauma.
- The patient's left eye had pre-existing poor vision and inadequately controlled intraocular pressure.
- The primary complaint was related to trauma, not pre-existing glaucoma symptoms.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with a traumatic phacocele, a subconjunctival dislocation of the crystalline lens.
- This rare complication occurred decades after the initial goniotomy surgery.
- Blunt trauma was identified as the direct cause of the lens dislocation.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for late complications following early-life ocular surgery.
- Traumatic phacocele can occur in patients with a history of glaucoma surgery, even years later.
- Understanding risk factors for lens dislocation after trauma in complex ocular histories is crucial for ophthalmologists.
Abstract:
We report a case of traumatic phacocele in a 42-year-old patient with a history of congenital glaucoma and bilateral goniotomies as an infant. Her left eye had little vision and poorly controlled intraocular pressure but was comfortable until her presentation after blunt trauma. Phacocele or subconjunctival dislocation of the crystalline lens is a rare consequence of blunt trauma, particularly in a patient whose only previous ocular surgery was goniotomy more than 40 years ago.