Toxic Corneal Reaction Induced by Distilled Water Infused during Cataract Operation.

Yoon, Kyung Chul; Lim, Dae Won; Yang, Kun Jin

Case Report

Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2003;44(6):1448-1451.
Published online June 1, 2003.

Toxic Corneal Reaction Induced by Distilled Water Infused during Cataract Operation.

Kyung Chul Yoon, Dae Won Lim, Kun Jin Yang

Department of Ophthalmology, Chonnam University College of Medicine, Kwangju, Korea. ophyoon@hanmail.net

백내장 수술 중 전방내로 주입된 증류수에 의한 각막의 독성반응

윤경철 ( Kyung Chul Yoon ) , 임대원 ( Dae Won Lim ) , 양건진 ( Kun Jin Yang )

Abstract

PURPOSE
To report a case of toxic corneal reaction induced by accidentally infused distilled water into the anterior chamber during cataract operation. METHODS: 67-year-old female patient was admitted due to corneal edema and opacity which had been developed instantly by distilled water infused into anterior chamber during cataract operation at a private eye clinic. Cataract surgery was performed after 1 week, and the patient was treated with 5% NaCl solution and artificial eyedrop. RESULTS: On the sixth month after operation, the corneal edema and opacity were decreased remarkably. CONCLUSIONS: When acute corneal edema is developed during cataract operation, the surgeon should stop the procedure and examine all intraocular solutions and irrigation fluids. The prognosis must be estimated after use of hypertonic saline solution at least 6 months.

Key Words: Corneal edema;Distilled water;5% NaCl solution