Complications of retained nuclear fragments in the anterior chamber after phacoemulsification with posterior chamber lens implant.

We report two cases in which retained nuclear fragments in the anterior chamber after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber lens implant resulted in intraocular complications. Case reports. In two eyes of two patients, retained nuclear fragments resulted in minimal anterior chamber reaction but substantial corneal edema and reduced visual acuity. Topical anti-inflammatory medications did not alter the postoperative course. Improvement occurred only when the nuclear fragments were surgically removed. Retained nuclear fragments in the anterior chamber can cause corneal edema and reduced vision that may be reversed by removing the fragments.