Early Postoperative Capsular Block Syndrome

Background: Postoperative capsular block syndrome (CBS) is a unique and rare complication of continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC). The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and results of early postoperative CBS. Methods: Patients who developed early postoperative CBS after cataract surgery from October 1998 through September 2002 were retrospectively identified. All eyes underwent smooth phacoemulsification after anterior CCC. An intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted into the capsular bag. Neodymuim:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser peripheral anterior capsulotomy or posterior capsulotomy was performed when resolution did not occur or the intracoular pressure was elevated. Results: Eight eyes of eight patients were included in the study. These patients presented with a shallow anterior chamber, anteriorly displaced IOL, distended capsular bag, and myopic shift within the first week after the surgery. One eye was associated with secondary angle-closure glaucoma. No CBS resolved without intervention during the follow-up period. The Nd:YAG laser peripheral anterior capsulotomy (4 eyes) and posterior capsulotomy (4 eyes) were successful in resolving the CBS in all eyes, and normalized the intraocular pressure in the eye with secondary angle-closure glaucoma. Conclusion: Postoperative CBS did not resolve spontaneously in most cases. Only a small percentage of early postoperative CBS was associated with secondary glaucoma. The Nd:YAG laser peripheral anterior capsulotomy and posterior capsulotomy were successful in treating postoperative CBS.