Case series: “Double arch” changes caused by capsule contraction syndrome after cataract surgery in highly myopic eyes

Background Capsule contraction syndrome (CCS) after cataract surgery causes intraocular lens (IOL) haptic flexion and IOL optic displacement in most former reports. However, there are few reports on CCS-induced deformation of the IOL optic. We report two cases of CCS after cataract surgery in highly myopic eyes and describe a previously unreported “double arch” complication. Case presentation Two patients with history of high myopia had cataract surgery with hydrophilic acrylic plate haptic IOLs implanted in their eyes. CCS with arch shape deformation of the pupil as well as the optic of the IOL were noticed in both cases after three months, which induced refractive changes and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) deterioration. Visual acuity of the patients was restored by replacing the IOL from the capsular bag to the ciliary sulcus and the following neodymium: YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy. We propose that such “double arch” change brought by CCS is related to the plate-haptic design of the IOL and the incomplete overlap between the capsular opening and the IOL optic. Conclusions We recommend careful IOL selection and proper capsulorhexis in patients with high myopia or with other risk factors of CCS. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of CCS are critical to prevent visual symptoms and further ocular complications.