Bilateral electric cataracts: clinicopathologic report

We report a case with bilateral intumescent electric cataracts, outcomes of cataract surgery with a new technique, and a histopathologic study of the anterior capsule followed by a review of the literature on electric cataracts. The patient had bilateral cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, achieving a visual acuity of 20/20. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of the anterior capsule revealed significant scar tissue formation consisting of fibroblast proliferation and hyaloid production over the basement membrane of the anterior capsule. Electric injuries can cause bilateral intumescent cataracts; the outcomes after cataract surgery are excellent provided the fundus and optic nerve examinations are normal. Scar formation over the anterior capsule may disturb lens nutrition, leading to cataract formation.