Case Report

Bilateral Electrical Cataract: A Case Report

10.4274/tjo.41.360250

  • Selçuk Sızmaz
  • Aysel Pelit
  • Yonca Aydın Akova

Received Date: 06.08.2010 Accepted Date: 12.01.2011 Turk J Ophthalmol 2011;41(3):197-199

To present a rare complication, such as bilateral cataracts, in a man who sustained a high-voltage electrical injury. A 35-year-old man was admitted with a complaint of decrease in visual acuity. He had a history of a contact with a power line carrying 30.000 volts of electricity while working at a construction site. Examination at a burn center revealed second-degree facial, neck and left foot burns. One month later, the patient underwent amputation of fourth and fifth toes of his left foot. During the next 6 months, he noted decreasing vision in both eyes. Ocular examination 1 year after the accident revealed that the patient’s visual acuity had deteriorated to 1/10 in both eyes. The cornea on the left eye showed superficial punctate opacities. The lenses in both eyes had anterior subcapsular cortical lens opacities and posterior subcapsular opacities. Uncomplicated bilateral phacoemulsification surgery with intraocular lens implantation was performed and the patient’s visual acuity returned to 10/10 in both eyes. We noted that the fundus remained normal in both eyes. Electrical cataracts are still a serious potential complication that may occur after electrical injury. Awareness of this by burn team members is important for providing optimal treatment to those who have suffered an electrical injury. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2011; 41: 197-9)

Keywords: Electrical injury, cataract, high voltage

Full Text (Turkish)