Our Summary

This study discusses a case where a 44-year-old woman who had a retinal detachment repair procedure, known as scleral buckling, 16 years prior developed an infection. The woman was experiencing pain and redness in her left eye for six weeks. After examining her, the doctors noticed signs of increased blood flow and redness over the area of the scleral buckle. There were no signs of the buckle being exposed.

After removing the buckle, they found out that the infection was caused by a type of bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes. This bacteria is known to cause chronic inflammation and infection after eye surgeries, like cataract surgery. The woman was given antibiotics to treat the infection. Six months after treatment, her retina remained attached.

In simpler terms, the study points out that the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes, which is usually associated with inflammation and infection after eye surgeries, can also cause infection in cases where a scleral buckle has been used for retinal detachment repair. The infection can take a long time to develop and may not present the usual signs, making it challenging to diagnose.

FAQs

  1. What is scleral buckle infection and what can cause it?
  2. What are the common symptoms of scleral buckle infection?
  3. What is the treatment for scleral buckle infection caused by Cutibacterium acnes?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing scleral buckle surgery to be aware of the potential risk of infection, including from bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes, and to promptly report any symptoms such as pain, redness, or changes in vision to their healthcare provider. It is important to follow post-operative care instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor for any signs of infection or complications.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone scleral buckle surgery for retinal detachment repair may be recommended for scleral buckle surgery if they present with symptoms such as pain, redness, and inflammation around the area of the buckle. In cases where infection is suspected, removal of the buckle and culture analysis may be necessary to confirm the presence of bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes. Treatment with antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, may be required to resolve the infection and prevent further complications. Follow-up monitoring is essential to ensure that the retina remains attached and that the infection is successfully treated.

Timeline

Before scleral buckle surgery:

  • Patient may experience symptoms of retinal detachment such as sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow over their vision
  • Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to diagnose retinal detachment
  • Patient is informed about the scleral buckle surgery procedure, risks, and benefits
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient may undergo pre-operative testing and imaging

After scleral buckle surgery:

  • Patient may experience pain, redness, or discomfort in the eye immediately after surgery
  • Patient is given post-operative instructions for care and follow-up appointments
  • Over time, the eye may heal and the retina may reattach successfully
  • In some cases, like the described case, an infection may occur leading to symptoms such as pain, redness, and inflammation
  • Infection is diagnosed through clinical examination and culture analysis
  • Treatment with antibiotics is administered to manage the infection
  • Close monitoring and follow-up appointments are necessary to ensure proper healing and retina attachment

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with scleral buckle surgery?

  2. What is the success rate of scleral buckle surgery in treating retinal detachment?

  3. How long is the recovery period after scleral buckle surgery?

  4. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or follow-up appointments after the surgery?

  5. How will the scleral buckle affect my vision and eye function in the long term?

  6. What symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate an infection or complication after the surgery?

  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to promote healing and prevent complications?

  8. How long will the scleral buckle remain in place, and is it possible for it to need to be removed in the future?

  9. Will I need to take any medication or use any eye drops after the surgery, and if so, for how long?

  10. What is the expected outcome for my specific case, and what can I do to improve the chances of a successful outcome?

Reference

Authors: Yehezkeli V, Ayalon A, Naftali Ben Haim L, Rubowitz A. Journal: Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2024 Jul 1;18(4):496-498. doi: 10.1097/ICB.0000000000001427. PMID: 36996444