Related Experiment Videos
Epithelial downgrowth: a 30-year clinicopathological review
M J Weiner1, J Trentacoste, D M Pon
1Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston 02114.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Epithelial downgrowth, a rare complication after cataract surgery, presents with decreased vision and eye pain. Early surgical intervention may reduce the need for eye removal.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pathology
Background:
- Epithelial downgrowth is a serious complication following ocular surgery.
- Understanding its predisposing factors and clinical presentation is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review predisposing factors, diagnostic signs/symptoms, and treatment outcomes for epithelial downgrowth.
- To analyze the incidence and clinical course of epithelial downgrowth over a 30-year period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective clinicopathological review of 124 patients with epithelial downgrowth.
- Analysis of data spanning 30 years from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
Main Results:
- The incidence of epithelial downgrowth after cataract surgery was 0.12%, decreasing to 0.08% in the last decade.
- Common symptoms include decreased visual acuity, red eye, and pain, often presenting within one year post-surgery.
- Key signs include retrocorneal membrane (45%), glaucoma (43%), corneal edema (21%), and positive Seidel test (23%).
- Predisposing factors are varied; endothelial damage, stromal vascularization, and stromal downgrowth are significant.
- Surgical treatment correlated with fewer enucleations compared to medical or no treatment.
Conclusions:
- Epithelial downgrowth has diverse predisposing factors, with endothelial damage and stromal involvement being critical.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical management appear to improve outcomes and reduce the rate of enucleation.