Lens induced or phacogenic uveitis is an uncommon cause of intraocular inflammation presumably due to an immune reaction against lens proteins. This entity has been described after rupture of the lens capsule (from trauma or surgery) and also in hypermature lenses with leakage of lens proteins despite an intact capsule. Recognition of this condition is imperative as prompt removal of the lens is typically curative.

The exact incidence of phacogenic uveitis is unknown but typically accounts for less than 1 % of all cases of uveitis in multiple case series [1, 2]. The pathogenesis of the disorder is similarly not well characterized, but the condition is generally viewed as a localized form of autoimmune disease. It has been hypothesized that the anterior chamber can tolerate some limited quantity of lens proteins without inducing an inflammatory response. The tolerance to the lens proteins may be altered due to trauma and rupture of the capsule. Others have hypothesized that immune tolerance is compromised due to the quantity of lens proteins in the anterior chamber. The exact inciting mechanism of the disorder and the role of anterior chamber associated immune deviation are unclear.