Clinically unsuspected phacoanaphylaxis after extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation.

Abstract

We describe the histopathological findings of an enucleation specimen from a clinically undiagnosed case of phacoanaphylaxis which occurred after extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation. Phacoanaphylaxis, a granulomatous inflammatory response to liberated lens protein, is potentially curable by prompt removal of residual lens material. This case emphasises that the diagnosis of phacoanaphylactic endophthalmitis should be considered in any case of extracapsular cataract extraction complicated by granulomatous intraocular inflammation.