Sympathetic ophthalmia after complicated cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To report a case of sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) associated with cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 50-year-old man developed SO two months after complicated cataract surgery and IOL implantation. Adequate and prompt use of immunosuppressive medications and removal of the IOL by pars plana vitrectomy techniques resulted in control of the uveitis with significant visual improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Sympathetic ophthalmia should be included as one of the devastating complications of IOL insertion. A high index of suspicion must be maintained whenever inflammation occurs in the fellow eye of an eye that has undergone intraocular surgery.