Using the Kowa laser flare cell meter, we investigated the relation between anterior chamber inflammation following phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, and (1) iris color and (2) the use of 1% cyclopentolate hydrochloride for 1 week postoperatively. One hundred sixty eyes, randomized into either a cycloplegic or noncycloplegic group, and classified into four different iris color groups--blue, brown, green, and hazel--were studied. Eyes with brown irides had significantly more intense flare 2 weeks postoperatively than eyes with blue irides. Overall, postoperative flare tended to be related to the degree of iris pigmentation. Use of 1% cyclopentolate hydrochloride for 1 week postoperatively failed to decrease anterior chamber inflammation in any of the eyes.