Pupillary block glaucoma following intraocular lens implantation

Seven cases of pupillary block granuloma occurred in a series of 665 consecutive cases of cataract extraction with insertion of an iris supported intraocular lens, an overall incidence of 1%. The incidence with an iris plane lens was 1.7%, and for all other styles used the incidence was 0.3%. Common factors noted were iris plane intraocular lens and early postoperative complications predisposing to pupillary block. In four of the seven cases, there was a period of normal intraocular pressure followed by elevated intraocular tension with a deep central anterior chamber two weeks to fifteen months following cataract extraction, with subsequent development of corneal edema and typical shallowing of the anterior chamber with iris bombe. Five of seven cases ultimately regained control of intraocular pressure although extensive peripheral anterior synechia were present. No patient ultimately had a visual acuity better than 20/50.