Hydrogel Implant Removal

A 76-year-old monocular male with a history of retinal detachment repair presented with visual field constriction and a foreign body sensation in his left eye. On exam, an elevated mass was visible protruding from under his supratemporal bulbar conjunctiva and CT revealed a large, space-occupying lesion exerting pressure behind the globe. This mass was found to be a hydrogel implant that had undergone hydrolytic degradation and significant expansion. Too friable to be grasped with forceps, the implant was removed piecemeal using a scooping technique. After reinflation of the globe with sterile air to counteract resulting hypotony, the patient showed improvement with his retina remaining attached. 

Financial Disclosures: Dr. Tahsin Khundkar discloses no financial relationships. Dr. Geoffrey Emerson discloses financial relationships with Davita Medical Group, Gilead Sciences, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, REGENXBIO, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Walgreens (Public Equity/Stock Holder); Novartis Pharmaceuticals (Private Equity/Stock Holder). Dr. John Zeyer discloses no financial relationships.