Binocular membranous cataract associated with binocular retinal detachment

Abstract

A 36-year-old man with a history of consanguineous marriage between his parents presented with bilateral membranous cataract that was complicated by bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Biomicroscopy revealed an absence of the crystalline lens bilaterally, a single piece of integrated fibrotic membrane in the right eye, and a membrane with a central cleft at the level of the ciliary process in the left eye. A small amount of residual cortex was revealed in the peripheral part of the membranes bilaterally when the pupils were dilated. Funduscopic examination showed that the vitreous liquefied and retina detached bilaterally. The successful retinal reattachment by vitrectomy and the finding of a retinal tear proved that the RD was rhegmatogenous. This case investigates bilateral membranous cataract with bilateral RRD as a new syndrome, or whether RRD may be a new complication of membrane cataract.