UVEOSCLERITIS AFTER EXCESSIVE NEODYMIUM - YAG LASER POSTERIOR CAPSULOTOMY

A 66-year-old woman developed severe and recurrent scleritis and uveitis after neodymium:YAG capsulotomy performed 18 months after cataract extraction. Four cracks on the intraocular lens and plastic splinters in the vitreous indicated that excessive laser energy had been used. Inflammation was treated successfully only when a combination of dexamethasone acetate 0.1 % drops (Maxidex(R)), drops of diclofenac sodium 0.1 % (Voltaren(R) Ophtha), and systemic diclofenac sodium (Voltaren(R)) was used. Inflammation might be explained by chronic irritation of the ciliary body by a displaced haptic or by an immune reaction triggered by damage to the ciliary body at the time of excessive posterior capsulotomy.