Epithelial downgrowth following wound dehiscence after extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation: surgical management.

Epithelial downgrowth occurred along a fistulous (nonfiltering) tract containing an incarcerated anterior capsular flap after extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation complicated by wound dehiscence. Months later, a YAG posterior capsulotomy was performed before it was realized that posterior capsule opacification was associated with epithelial downgrowth involving the posterior capsule. Surgical management of epithelial downgrowth after extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation is discussed, with emphasis on the role of combined cryotherapy, dissection of the retrocorneal membrane, and complete removal of the capsular bag. Histopathologically, we found it difficult to differentiate lens epithelial cells from corneal epithelial downgrowth within the capsular bag, but monoclonal antibody for keratin may help identify corneal epithelial cells.