Anterior membrane dystrophy following cataract extraction

This paper describes a patient with previously normal corneas who underwent bilateral cataract surgery. This was followed by acute dehiscence of the epithelium and the eventual appearance of fingerprint lines, microcysts, and map-like areas typical of Cogan's microcystic dystrophy. Light and electron microscopy showed the presence of epithelial microcysts and a seam of subepithelial material like basement membrane. It is suggested that this patient represents a rapid transition from apparent normality to an extensive anterior membrane dystrophy, precipitated by operation for cataract.