Arygrosis in Lens Capsule: A Case Report

To report a case of long-standing occupational ocular argyrosis with histopathological confirmation during cataract surgery. A 57-year-old male silver worker with a 16-year history of ocular argyrosis and progressive visual deterioration underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examination and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. The anterior lens capsule obtained during capsulorhexis was submitted for histopathological examination. Clinical examination revealed bilateral diffuse corneal deposits, periocular pigmentation, and characteristic findings consistent with chronic silver deposition patterns. The right eye demonstrated a mature cataract with complete cortical opacity. Phacoemulsification was performed successfully without complications. Histopathological analysis confirmed characteristic silver deposits within the capsular matrix, providing a definitive diagnosis of ocular argyrosis. Postoperative visual acuity improved from hand motion to 0.9. This case demonstrates successful cataract surgery outcomes in a patient with long-standing occupational ocular argyrosis. Histopathological examination of surgical specimens provides invaluable diagnostic confirmation and demonstrates the systemic nature of silver deposition. The case emphasizes the importance of long-term monitoring in patients with occupational silver exposure and confirms that cataract surgery can be performed safely with excellent visual outcomes in patients with concurrent ocular argyrosis.

Keywords: Argyria, cataract, lens, ocular argyrosis, phacoemulsification