We present one case of capsular bag distension associated with lens phacoemulsification, capsulorhexis and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) insertion. Capsular bag distension is a rare postoperative complication of continuous tear anterior capsulotomy and presents the following characteristics: (1) postoperative myopic over-refraction; (2) shallowing of the anterior chamber associated with anterior shift of the IOL and the iris diaphragm; (3) important posterior distension of the posterior capsule and (4) sealing of the capsule to the anterior surface of the IOL. In our case, recovery of vision was incomplete after cataract surgery although the procedure was uneventful and no other ocular pathology was found. A neodymium: YAG laser anterior capsulotomy peripheral to the edge of the IOL remedied the situation allowing the capsular fluid to regress into the anterior chamber and the IOL to return in a normal posterior position.