An 'Exploding Cataract' Following Nd:YAG Laser Iridectomy

A case of an “exploding” cataract (an iatrogenic posterior capsular rupture) following Nd:YAG laser iridectomy is described. Rapid cataract development was observed in the right eye of a 76-year-old woman following an iridectomy. B-scan ultrasonography documented cortical debris in the vitreous cavity. The patient underwent an extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. During the cataract extraction, a posterior capsular tear extending from the 10-o'clock to the 4-o'clock position was noted, through which fluffy cortical material was floating in the vitreous. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2003;34:310–311.]