Late capsular bag contraction and intraocular lens subluxation in retinitis pigmentosa: a case report

Retinitis pigmentosa is clinically characterized by loss of predominantly rod photoreceptor function as well as loss of peripheral vision. The classic clinical triad is considered to be the presence of bone spicule pigmentation in the peripheral retina, arteriolar attenuation, and waxy disc pallor. Cataracts, most commonly of the posterior subcapsular type, are often found in all forms of retinitis pigmentosa. Ectopia lentis and lens dislocation are known risk factors for those with retinitis pigmentosa, presumably secondary to zonular fiber weakness and vitreous degeneration. The post-operative complication of lens dislocation following cataract extraction in patients with retinitis pigmentosa has also been documented.

We report a case of severe capsular bag contraction with intraocular lens subluxation following cataract extraction in a 58-year-old Hispanic woman with retinitis pigmentosa.

Patients with retinitis pigmentosa undergoing cataract surgery should be notified of this potentially late complication of surgery.