Traumatic aniridia 11 years post uneventful cataract surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Traumatic aniridia is a rare complication following ocular trauma.
• Cataract surgery is a common procedure, and long-term complications are infrequent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of traumatic aniridia occurring 11 years after uneventful cataract surgery.
• To highlight the potential for late reopening of cataract surgery incisions after trauma.
• To discuss the unusual role of an intact Soemmering ring in mitigating glare in traumatic aniridia.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Review of patient history including cataract surgery and subsequent trauma.
• Clinical examination and assessment of visual symptoms.

Main Results:

• A woman in her 70s developed traumatic aniridia 11 years post-cataract surgery after blunt forehead trauma.
• The cataract surgery incision was found to have reopened, allowing iris prolapse.
• An intact Soemmering ring was observed and appeared to reduce glare.

Conclusions:

• Cataract surgery incisions can reopen years later following trauma, leading to traumatic aniridia.
• This case represents the longest reported interval between cataract surgery and traumatic aniridia in the UK.
• The presence of an intact Soemmering ring may offer a functional benefit by reducing glare in traumatic aniridia.