Phacoemulsification in a patient with small pupil and a large iris cyst

Peripheral iris cysts are generally asymptomatic and nonprogressive. They are usually located in the inferotemporal quadrant of the anterior segmen:, most commonly in the iridociliary sulcus. We report our management strategy in a patient with small pupil and a large iris cyst.

Retrospective, case report.

A 65-year-old man was referred, reporting blurred vision OS. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/12 OD and 6/48 OS. Anterior chamber (AC) examination OS revealed an iris cyst protruding inferotemporally occupying almost one-third of AC volume. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was 32 mmHg OS and 19 mmHg OD. Aspiration with a 27-G cannula, without cyst resection, was performed. Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were uneventful. The BCVA improved to 6/9 1 week postoperatively and to 6/6 a month later. In the first postoperative visit, IOP dropped to 16 mmHg. The cyst was significantly decreased in size. Six months postoperatively, BCVA remained unchanged while AC examination revealed that the cyst remained in place with no signs of enlargement.

In this case, cyst aspiration was elected as a treatment procedure that led to significant decrease in size. This management option, combined with an uncomplicated cataract extraction procedure, resulted in an excellent visual and a positive anatomic outcome.