Traumatic total iridectomy with "pseudo-iris"

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Cataract surgery incisions can be vulnerable to blunt trauma years later.
• Such trauma may present as a unique
• liberating valve
• preventing globe rupture.

Observation:

• A 92-year-old woman with macular degeneration experienced blunt ocular trauma.
• This resulted in traumatic total iridectomy with iris extrusion through a prior 2.75 mm cataract incision.
• An intact intraocular lens and capsular bag were preserved, with cortical remnants and an anterior capsule opacity resembling a "pseudoiris".

Findings:

• The patient developed a traumatic total iridectomy following blunt force injury.
• Despite the significant injury, the intraocular lens and capsular bag remained intact.
• Following resolution of vitreous hemorrhage, the patient reported no photophobia, possibly due to the "pseudoiris".

Implications:

• Cataract incision sites may serve as a protective "liberating valve" against severe injury.
• The formation of a "pseudoiris" could be a mitigating factor for photophobia after traumatic iridectomy.
• This case underscores the long-term implications of cataract surgery on ocular trauma response.