Histopathological changes after pseudophakos

Cataract extraction and iris clip lens implantation in an 88-year-old woman were followed by hyphaema, anterior uveitis and organised exudates around the implant. The globe was enucleated after 15 months due to pain and a poor visual prognosis. Sections showed an epithelial downgrowth into part of the anterior chamber, associated with a fibrous membrane which had surrounded part of one loop of the implant. Atrophy of the iris, adenomatous changes in a ciliary process and an after-cataractous ring were noted. Inflammatory changes were present in the uvea, associated posteriorly with degenerative choroido-retinitis, probably of arteriosclerotic origin. The nylon loops of the implant showed areas of biodegradation and were partly fibrosed in. The possible relationship of the various changes is discussed.