Acquired anterior ocular melanocytosis following cataract extraction


Kiratli H., Irkec M.

OPHTHALMIC SURGERY AND LASERS, vol.33, no.1, pp.71-73, 2002 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 33 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2002
  • Journal Name: OPHTHALMIC SURGERY AND LASERS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.71-73
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: No

Abstract

The right eye of a 59-year-old man was the subject of extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation. He gradually developed superior sectoral scleral and diffuse iris hyperpigmentation within 7 years postoperatively. The iris was also uniformly thickened. He sustained 20/20 visual acuity in the pseudophakic eye. Despite marked pigmentation of the angle, his right intraocular pressure remained within normal limits. We use the term acquired anterior ocular melanocytosis because the pigmentary changes were confined to the anterior segment and the choroid was not involved. We conclude that surgical injury in the form of cataract extraction can induce episcleral/scleral hyperpigmentation and iris hyperchromia.