Epithelial Ingrowth Post Phacoemulsification in a Case of Recurrent Pterygium. Issue 1 (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khurana, Surbhi; Gupta, Parul Chawla; R, Balamurugan; Sharma, Vijay Kumar; Ram, Jagat
• Is Part Of: Cornea. Volume 39:Issue 1(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: epithelial ingrowth -- epithelial ingrowth after phacoemulsification -- confocal microscopy of epithelial ingrowth -- recurrent pterygium; Cornea -- Periodicals; Cornea -- Periodicals; Cornée -- Périodiques; 617.719
• DOI: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000002158
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-3740

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: To report an unusual case of epithelial ingrowth after phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in a patient with recurrent pterygium, along with confocal microscopy findings of epithelial ingrowth. Methods: This is a case report and review of the literature. Results: A healthy 68-year-old woman presented with epithelial ingrowth with a best-corrected visual acuity of 6/60 in the left eye (−4.0 × 85 DC). She underwent pterygium surgery a decade ago, followed by recurrence 7 years later and an uneventful phacoemulsification surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in the previous year. Confocal microscopy showed vacuolated cells in the area of epithelial ingrowth, which were similar to conjunctival cells of the pterygium. The postoperative period after cataract surgery was uneventful. Conclusions: This is the first case report to document epithelial ingrowth after phacoemulsification in a patient with recurrent pterygium and that demonstrates confocal microscopy findings showing conjunctival cells of pterygium as the origin of epithelial ingrowth. We recommend making clear corneal side-port incisions during phacoemulsification away from the site of pterygium in such cases and to check for postoperative wound leaks and tissue incarceration.