Lensification of the Posterior Corneal Surface: An Unusual Proliferation of Lens Epithelial Cells

Abstract

Abnormal proliferation of lens epithelial cells occurs in a variety of situations, such as anterior and posterior subcapsular cataracts and secondary cataract formation. The purpose of this report is to document an unusual occurrence of diffuse proliferation of lens epithelium and capsule along the posterior corneal surface. The authors performed penetrating keratoplasty to remove an edematous and scarred cornea is a 19-year-old Indian man. Three years previously, the patient had undergone penetrating keratoplasty and extracapsular cataract extraction to treat a nonhealing corneal ulcer. The keratectomy specimen was processed for conventional light microscopy. Five-micrometer sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and the periodic acid-Schiff methods. Intraoperatively, the eye was found to be aphakic with an intact posterior capsule. The iris tissue consisted of fibrotic, pigmented remnants adherent to the peripheral cornea for 360 degrees, closing the angle and capsular fornix. Histologically, cataractous lens material including proliferated lens epithelial cells and capsule diffusely lined the posterior corneal surface along a thick retrocorneal fibrous membrane. This case represents a new category of lens epithelial cell proliferation or migration or both that covers entirely the posterior corneal surface. The authors believe the term lensification is appropriate for the condition described herein.