Dissolution of pseudophakic fibrinous exudate with intraocular streptokinase

A fibrinous exudate developed in 8 children after cataract extraction. Blunt trauma was the cause of cataract formation in 6 children; the other 2 presented with congenital cataract. In 4 of 6 children with traumatic cataract, iris damage was evident. Seven children had an intraocular lens implanted. The development of fibrinous exudate in the anterior chamber was noted despite routine post-operative topically administered steroids. It typically formed 1-4 days after surgery. In all cases topical fortified steroids were unsuccessful in hastening dissolution. Intracameral injection of streptokinase (500-1000 IU) caused dissolution of fibrin in all cases. No adverse effects were apparent clinically with intraocular administration of streptokinase.