Capsular block syndrome: a case report and literature review

PURPOSE To report the case of a patient who developed late capsular block syndrome and to review the current literature regarding this complication of phacoemulsification procedures. METHODS The literature was reviewed to summarize the diagnosis, classification, use of diagnostic aids, and the current treatments for this complication. RESULTS A 69-year-old patient complained of decreased visual acuity 11 months after undergoing phacoemulsification. She was found to have a secondary myopization. Anterior segment ultrabiomicroscopy confirmed the diagnosis of capsular block syndrome. The patient underwent neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy, which resulted in complete resolution of her symptoms. CONCLUSION CAPSULAR BLOCK SYNDROME IS A FAIRLY RARE COMPLICATION OF PHACOEMULSIFICATION PROCEDURES THAT, DEPENDING PRIMARILY ON THE TIMING OF ITS OCCURRENCE FOLLOWING SURGERY, CAN DEVELOP INTO ONE OF THE THREE FOLLOWING POSSIBLE CLINICAL SCENARIOS: intraoperatory, early postoperatory, and late postoperatory. In this patient, Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was shown to be a safe and effective treatment option for this type of complication.