Cystic epithelial downgrowth following clear-corneal cataract extraction

Epithelial downgrowth is a serious complication of intraocular surgery. It is characterized by the diffuse or cystic proliferation of surface epithelium inside the eye. Advances in microsurgical technique that result in smaller surgical wounds and permit greater precision in wound closure should reduce the incidence of this complication. We report a case of epithelial downgrowth presenting 3 years after an uncomplicated clear-corneal cataract extraction with insertion of a posterior chamber silicone lens. The epithelial down-growth was amenable to surgical correction because the well-defined cyst could be excised en bloc.