Postoperative cilium entrapment by clear corneal incision

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Routine phacoemulsification cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation is a common ophthalmic procedure.
• Small-incision, sutureless cataract surgery techniques are widely adopted for their efficacy and patient benefits.

Observation:

• A 75-year-old male patient developed an unusual complication 6 weeks post-cataract surgery.
• A cilium (eyelash) was observed to have migrated through the external opening of an inferior paracentesis wound.
• The proximal end of the cilium was found abutting the internal opening of the surgical wound.

Findings:

• The cilium was successfully removed without any immediate complications.
• This case presents a unique instance of a foreign body entering the anterior chamber via a paracentesis track.
• The finding provides a potential explanation for previously reported cases of intraocular cilia discovered post-surgery.

Implications:

• This observation may enhance the understanding of foreign body migration into the eye following cataract surgery.
• It highlights the importance of meticulous wound closure and patient monitoring, even in routine procedures.
• Further investigation into wound healing and potential pathways for foreign body entry is warranted.