Recurrent late-onset fibrotic capsular block syndrome after neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser anterior capsulotomy: a case report

BACKGROUND: Capsular block syndrome is an uncommon complication that occurs after cataract surgery. It is characterized by capsular distension, anterior intraocular lens displacement, anterior chamber shallowing, and unexpected myopic shifts. We report a case of recurrent fibrotic capsular block syndrome with Elschnig's pearl-type posterior capsule opacification 10 months after neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser anterior capsulotomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old Asian man complained of decreased visual acuity 5 years after undergoing phacoemulsification with posterior chamber lens implantation. Under slit-lamp examination, late postoperative capsular block syndrome was diagnosed and Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy was performed. Ten months after anterior capsulotomy, the patient returned with decreased visual acuity and was diagnosed with recurrent fibrotic capsular block syndrome. Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS: We found that fibrotic capsular block syndrome could recur with Elschnig's pearl-type posterior capsule opacification after Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy for late postoperative capsular block syndrome without posterior capsule opacification.