Early Postoperative Capsular Block Syndrome.

Background: Postoperative capsular block syndrome (CBS) is a unique and rare complicationof continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC). The purpose of thisstudy was to analyze the clinical characteristics and results of early postoperativeCBS.Methods: Patients who developed early postoperative CBS after cataract surgery fromOctober 1998 through September 2002 were retrospectively identified. Alleyes underwent smooth phacoemulsification after anterior CCC. An intraocularlens (IOL) was implanted into the capsular bag. Neodymuim:YAG(Nd:YAG) laser peripheral anterior capsulotomy or posterior capsulotomywas performed when resolution did not occur or the intracoular pressure waselevated.Results: Eight eyes of eight patients were included in the study. These patients presentedwith a shallow anterior chamber, anteriorly displaced IOL, distendedcapsular bag, and myopic shift within the first week after the surgery. Oneeye was associated with secondary angle-closure glaucoma. No CBSresolved without intervention during the follow-up period. The Nd:YAGlaser peripheral anterior capsulotomy (4 eyes) and posterior capsulotomy (4eyes) were successful in resolving the CBS in all eyes, and normalized theintraocular pressure in the eye with secondary angle-closure glaucoma.Conclusion: Postoperative CBS did not resolve spontaneously in most cases. Only a smallpercentage of early postoperative CBS was associated with secondary glaucoma.The Nd:YAG laser peripheral anterior capsulotomy and posterior capsulotomywere successful in treating postoperative CBS.