[Peripheral corneal edema after cataract extraction].

OBJECTIVE

To report a rare type of corneal edema, i.e. peripheral corneal edema after cataract extraction---Brown-Mclean syndrome.

METHODS

Clinical charts of 8 affected eyes in 5 patients were reviewed. Ultrasound pachymetry was used to determine central corneal thickness. Cell densities were measured by specular microscopy. The clinical characteristics and pathogenesis were discussed.

RESULTS

The average time from operation to initial diagnosis was 10.5 years. The typical edema started inferiorly and progressed circumferentially, but central portion of the cornea was clear. The corneal thickness at edematous area was increased. The cell counts of endothelium was decreased in our patients. Additionally, the edema was associated with a punctate orange-brown pigmentation on the endothelium.

CONCLUSIONS

So far this new syndrome of corneal edema has not been reported in china. Its clinical characteristics are not similar to that of conventional edema after intracapsular cataract extraction. The pathogenesis of this curious condition is still unknown. It may be associated with an aphakic eye, chronic uveitis and hereditary factors.