Total encapsulation and asymmetric deformation of an intraocular lens

We report a case of marked anterior capsule contraction after uneventful cataract surgery in an 82-year-old women. The patient had implantation of a single-piece foldable acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) after phacoemulsification through a 3.0 mm superior corneal incision. Between 1 month and 5.5 months after surgery, significant anterior capsule contraction ensued with total encapsulation of the lens. The resultant fibrotic reaction, which had a localized tangential component, caused an asymmetric deformation and mild IOL displacement. The patient was treated on separate occasions with a neodymium:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy and surgical capsulotomy to release tension on the lens and clear the visual axis.