We present a rare case of anterior capsule adherence to the iris following extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation and leading to Pseudophakie pupillary block. There were no synechiae at the pupillary margins associated with the capsule/iris adherence, but aqueous was entrapped behind the iris and intraocular pressure rose. Laser iridotomy was temporarily beneficial, but it had to be repeated several times.

We tried applying a specially-designed cryoprobe to the posterior capsule as well as adding heparin, an anticoagulative, anti-inflammatory compound, to the anterior chamber irrigation solution in an attempt to inhibit secondary cataract formation following a planned extracapsular lens extraction in 36 rabbits. The first group received both cryo treatment and heparin; a second group received heparin without cryo treatment; a third group received neither heparin nor cryo treatment. Complete opacification of the lens developed 3 months after the operation in all the rabbits not treated with heparin, and in 50% of those that received heparin. The addition of cryo treatment to the heparin-treated rabbits further reduced opacification by 20%. We conclude that in rabbits, cryo treatment, combined with intracameral administration of heparin during surgery, has a significant inhibitory effect on secondary cataract formation.