Rapid Capsular Phimosis in Retinitis Pigmentosa

This case report retrospectively reviews the outcome of a 43-year-old man with retinitis pigmentosa who suffered rapid anterior capsular phimosis in each eye within 3 weeks following uncomplicated phacoemulsification with continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis and single-piece acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Anterior YAG capsulotomy was successfully performed in both eyes. It has been previously documented in the literature that capsular phimosis is more common in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. However, in the cases that were reviewed, capsular contracture progressed much less rapidly than in this patient. It is proposed that zonular dehiscence or increased lens epithelial cell fibrosis accompanying retinitis pigmentosa may be responsible for phimosis following phacoemulsification; in this case, the single-piece IOL may have offered less resistance to capsular contraction. Using a three-piece IOL, capsular tension ring, or making radial relaxing incisions in the anterior lens capsule may be useful approaches to minimize the aforementioned complications in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and cataracts.