Our Summary

This study looked at what types of bacteria or fungi cause infections in patients who have had a type of eye surgery called a scleral buckle. The researchers reviewed patient records from a hospital in North India from a period of 2009 to 2017. Out of 43 cases they looked at, 35 had infections, and the most common cause was a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus, followed by another type called Pseudomonas, and then various types of fungi. On average, patients got these infections about 3 years after their surgery. This shows that a wide range of organisms can cause these infections after scleral buckle surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the most common cause of infection after scleral buckle surgery according to the study?
  2. How long after the scleral buckle surgery do patients typically get these infections?
  3. What types of organisms can cause infections after scleral buckle surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scleral buckle surgery is to closely follow post-operative care instructions to reduce the risk of infection. This includes keeping the eye area clean, using prescribed eye drops or medications as directed, and attending all follow-up appointments with your eye doctor. If you notice any signs of infection such as increased pain, redness, or discharge from the eye, it is important to contact your doctor immediately for further evaluation and treatment.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended scleral buckle surgery are those who have a retinal detachment, which is a serious and sight-threatening condition where the retina detaches from the underlying tissue. Scleral buckle surgery is a common treatment for retinal detachment, as it involves placing a silicone band around the eye to help reattach the retina to the back of the eye.

Patients who have had scleral buckle surgery and develop symptoms such as eye redness, pain, discharge, or decreased vision should seek immediate medical attention, as these may be signs of an infection. The study mentioned above highlights the importance of monitoring for infections after scleral buckle surgery, as they can be caused by a variety of bacteria and fungi. Early detection and treatment of these infections are crucial to prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome for patients.

Timeline

  • Before scleral buckle surgery:
  1. Patient is diagnosed with a retinal detachment, which may cause symptoms such as flashes of light, floaters, and a curtain-like shadow over their vision.
  2. Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye exam and imaging tests to determine the extent of the detachment.
  3. Surgery is recommended to reattach the retina and prevent vision loss.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative consultations and preparations for the surgery.
  • After scleral buckle surgery:
  1. Patient undergoes the surgery, which involves placing a silicone band around the eye to support the retina.
  2. Patient may experience discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye post-surgery.
  3. Patient is monitored closely for any signs of infection, such as increased pain, discharge, or changes in vision.
  4. Patient may need to use eye drops or medications to aid in the healing process.
  5. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the progress of the surgery and ensure proper healing.
  6. In some cases, patients may develop an infection post-surgery, which can be caused by bacteria or fungi and may require additional treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with scleral buckle surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  3. What post-operative care will be required to prevent infections or complications?
  4. How will the surgical procedure be performed and what anesthesia will be used?
  5. What are the success rates of scleral buckle surgery for treating retinal detachment?
  6. How will my vision be affected after surgery and what are the potential long-term outcomes?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of scleral buckle surgery?
  8. How often will follow-up appointments be needed after surgery and what will be monitored during these visits?
  9. What should I do if I experience any unusual symptoms or complications after the surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with more information about the specific bacteria or fungi that may cause infections after scleral buckle surgery and how they can be prevented or treated?

Reference

Authors: Shrivastav A, Kumar S, Singh S, Agarwal M, Sapra N, Gandhi A. Journal: Indian J Ophthalmol. 2019 May;67(5):644-647. doi: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_1094_18. PMID: 31007229