Case report: We present an interventional case report of a rare occurrence of diffuse epithelial downgrowth developing after extracapsular cataract surgery and iris prolapse that was successfully treated only by excision of the membrane. A 71-year-old man underwent repositioning of an atraumatic iris prolapse 1 month after uneventful standard extracapsular cataract extraction in his right eye. Over 14 months, a white membrane was observed over almost 80% of the iris surface, reducing visual acuity. Intraocular pressure and results of fundus examination were normal. Peeling and excision of the membrane were performed. Histopathologic analysis was consistent with epithelial downgrowth. At 22 months after the epithelial downgrowth peeling, visual acuity was 6/12, there were no signs of recurrence, and intraocular pressure was normal without any treatment.
Comments: Provided a continuous follow-up is possible, simple excision of the membrane can be a successful treatment in selected rare cases of diffuse epithelial downgrowth.