Early postoperative capsular block syndrome following cataract surgery with trifocal intraocular lens implantation

Abstract Early postoperative capsular block syndrome (CBS), a rare complication of phacoemulsification, involves anterior displacement of the intraocular lens (IOL) due to retrolenticular fluid accumulation and bag distension. This case report highlights the successful management of this condition using Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy. A 51-year-old woman with bilateral subcapsular cataracts presented with progressive visual acuity loss. She underwent uneventful phacoemulsification and trifocal IOL implantation in her left eye. On the first postoperative day, she reported a myopic refractive shift. Slit-lamp examination revealed an anteriorly positioned IOL with a distended capsular bag. After two weeks of observation with no improvement, Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy was performed. This resulted in immediate fluid egress into the vitreous cavity, posterior repositioning of the IOL, and significant visual improvement. Three weeks later, her uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20. Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy is an effective treatment for early postoperative CBS, ensuring prompt resolution and restoring visual function.