Objective:

To describe a case of dead bag syndrome (DBS) presenting asymmetrically years after uncomplicated cataract surgery.

Approach:

• Case Description: A 69-year-old man presented with sudden, painless decreased vision in the left eye after undergoing cataract surgery in both eyes. Clinical evaluation revealed central posterior capsular rupture (PCR) and vitreous prolapse in both eyes, with the left eye being…
• Surgical Intervention: The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy with removal of the dislocated IOL and secondary implantation of a scleral-fixated 3-piece IOL in the left eye, resulting in improved visual acuity.

Key Findings:

• Both eyes had central PCR and vitreous prolapse, but the IOL remained stable in the right eye.
• The patient achieved 20/20 visual acuity in the left eye after surgical intervention.
• DBS is characterized by progressive degeneration of the capsular bag, leading to susceptibility to IOL instability.

Interpretation:

The case suggests that DBS may warrant consideration as a rare differential diagnosis for late spontaneous PCR following cataract surgery, even when recognized risk factors are absent.

Limitations:

• The study is limited by its single-patient design, restricting generalizability.
• Diagnosis of DBS was based on clinical findings without histopathologic confirmation.

Conclusion:

Management tailored to the different presentations in each eye resulted in excellent visual outcomes.

Sources:

• International Medical Case Reports Journal