Our Summary

The research paper discusses a fungus called Pseudallescheria boydii, which is commonly found everywhere and can infect soft tissues. This fungus can cause eye diseases such as keratitis and endophthalmitis, but these cases are very rare. People with weakened immune systems are more at risk as the fungus can spread to or from the eye and other organs, which can be fatal. There have been rare cases where this fungus has caused infections after certain types of eye surgeries in patients with normal immune systems, but never for a surgery known as a scleral buckle. This paper presents the first-ever recorded case of a P. boydii infection following a scleral buckle surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is Pseudallescheria boydii and how does it affect ocular health?
  2. What is the risk of P. boydii infection after ocular surgeries like scleral buckle surgery?
  3. Has there been any documented case of a scleral buckle infection caused by P. boydii?

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 may include taking prescribed antibiotics as directed and keeping the eye clean and protected during the healing process. If any signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, or discharge, develop, it is important to contact the doctor immediately for evaluation and treatment.

Suitable For

Scleral buckle surgery is typically recommended for patients with retinal detachment, particularly those with a high risk of retinal detachment recurrence. This may include patients with a history of multiple retinal detachments, severe myopia, or other risk factors for retinal detachment. Additionally, scleral buckle surgery may be recommended for patients with specific types of retinal detachment, such as those caused by a tear or hole in the retina.

Timeline

Before scleral buckle surgery:

  • Patient may experience symptoms of retinal detachment such as flashes of light, floaters, or a curtain or shadow over their field of vision.
  • Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination and imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis of retinal detachment.
  • Surgery is scheduled to repair the detached retina using a scleral buckle, which involves placing a silicone band around the eye to support the retina.

After scleral buckle surgery:

  • Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye immediately following surgery.
  • Patient is prescribed eye drops and medications to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
  • Patient is advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few weeks to allow the eye to heal properly.
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure that the retina remains attached.
  • In rare cases, like the one presented in the case study, the scleral buckle becomes infected with Pseudallescheria boydii, leading to complications and the need for further treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of scleral buckle surgery and how will it help my eye condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with scleral buckle surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after scleral buckle surgery and what can I expect during that time?
  4. Will I need to take any special precautions or medications after the surgery?
  5. How likely is it for an infection, such as Pseudallescheria boydii, to occur after scleral buckle surgery?
  6. What symptoms should I watch for that may indicate an infection after the surgery?
  7. How will an infection be diagnosed and treated if it does occur?
  8. Are there any specific factors about my medical history that may increase my risk for an infection after the surgery?
  9. What is the long-term prognosis for patients who develop an infection after scleral buckle surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical options that I should consider for my eye condition?

Reference

Authors: Law JC, Breazzano MP, Eliott D. Journal: Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2017 Aug 1;48(8):676-678. doi: 10.3928/23258160-20170802-12. PMID: 28810045