Traumatic aniridia after small incision cataract extraction

Abstract 

Introduction

Phacoemulsification and falls are both common in the elderly population. We present a case of acquired total aniridia and vitreous haemorrhage occurring as a result of trauma in a pseudophakic eye.

Methods

Interventional case report with history, clinical photograph and discussion with literature review.

Results

A previously healthy 74-year-old Caucasian female was referred with a painful left eye and poor vision following a fall and trauma to the left side of her face. Initial examination confirmed visual acuity of perception of light with total hyphaema and vitreous haemorrhage. Subsequent examination revealed complete aniridia with an intact capsular bag and well-centred posterior chamber intraocular lens and attached retina. Final visual acuity after treatment was 6/9.

Conclusions

Blunt trauma may cause total iris disinsertion in and expulsion from pseudophakic eyes. This relatively novel injury may present increasingly commonly to casualty departments and ophthalmologists.

Keywords: Phacoemulsification, Iris, Aniridia, Trauma