Background: The onset of cataract formation is normally experienced in senile age. The process of lens
opacification can also be influenced by other factors, including systemic diseases, infection, trauma,
medication, ultraviolet light exposure, genetic predisposition and environmental sources. Gradual vision
loss accompanied by a myopic refractive shift can be caused by nuclear cataract formation, even in young
patients. Phacoemulsification cataract removal and intraocular lens insertion surgery is indicated when
visual acuity loss and/or myopic anisometropia becomes a problem. Surgical and laser treatments are risk
factors in developing retinal detachment, especially in myopic patients.
Case Presentation: This is a case of an early onset nuclear cataract in a young male. A 44-year-old man
visited the hospital complaining of gradual vision loss in his right eye. History study revealed no systemic
or ophthalmic diseases or trauma. The patient underwent phacoemulsification nuclear cataract removal and
intraocular lens insertion surgery in his right eye, followed by Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy 3 years
later. He underwent phacoemulsification nuclear cataract surgery in his left eye at the age of 48 years,
followed by laser capsulotomy treatment 2 years later. At the age 50, a routine eye examination revealed
retinal detachment in his right eye. He underwent vitrectomy surgery twice.
Conclusion: Nuclear lens opacification is seldom of clinical importance in young healthy adult patients;
however, it can be the cause of progressive visual acuity loss, especially in the presence of a myopic
refractive shift. Surgery, laser treatment and myopia are all risk factors in retinal detachment. This case
shows that thorough and periodic routine eye examinations are a must when dealing with patients with
unexpected and atypical signs and symptoms, especially having underwent surgery and laser treatments.
Risk Factors for Postoperative Retinal Detachment Following Cataract Surgery
