Phacoanaphylactic endophthalmitis secondary to capsular block syndrome

Abstract

A 65-year-old white man presented with sudden onset of painless decrease in vision and a red eye 5 days after cataract surgery. The visual acuity was 20/400 with mild injection. Marked iritis was present, and a hypopyon could be seen behind the intraocular lens (IOL) in the capsular bag. The posterior segment was clear. The iritis worsened despite 4 days of hourly topical corticosteroid treatment. Anterior chamber washout was performed, with clearing of the material behind the IOL. The iritis subsided 4 weeks later, and visual acuity recovered to 20/20. Capsular block syndrome can present as phacoanaphylactic endophthalmitis if cortical material is left in the capsular bag, requiring surgical intervention.