Asymptomatic intra-lenticular cilium

The passive introduction of cilia into the eye following penetrating trauma is a relatively rare complication. Human cilia have been reported in many locations within the eye. However, reports of intra-lenticular cilia are rare. We report an unusual case wherein an intra-lenticular cilium was detected in a completely asymptomatic patient during a routine ophthalmological evaluation. A 50- year-old man presented for a routine eye evaluation. He was found to have a cilium sequestered within the lens in the right eye, with no evidence of an entry point in the sclera or cornea. As the patient was not symptomatic, he was kept on follow up. This case report highlights the fact that intralenticular cilia may remain completely inert for a long time. If the cilium is located peripherally, and is associated with a small breach in the lens capsule, progressive cataractous changes may not occur, and vision may not be compromised. Medical or surgical intervention may not be necessary in asymptomatic patients with cilia sequestered inside the lens.