Toxic anterior segment syndrome
This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2014) |
Toxic anterior segment syndrome | |
---|---|
Specialty | Ophthalmology |
Toxic anterior segment syndrome is an acute, sterile
One of the main factors in differentiating toxic anterior segment syndrome from an infectious endophthalmitis is the rapid onset. Most patients with toxic anterior segment syndrome will develop symptoms within 12 to 24 hours of the surgery. Common findings on anterior segment slit lamp examination include increased cell and flare with associated fibrin and possible hypopyon formation. Patients may show signs of diffuse corneal edema, and they may also show signs of iris atrophy with pupillary abnormalities and eventual increased intraocular pressure.
It is important to differentiate sterile postoperative inflammation from infectious endophthalmitis because the treatments of these patients are markedly different. Patients with toxic anterior segment syndrome will often respond rapidly to treatment with topical
Toxic anterior segment syndrome may be related to problems with any irrigating solution or other solution placed in the patient's eye during surgery, including balanced salt solution or anything added to solutions. Material placed in the eye during surgery such as anesthetics, ophthalmic viscoelastic devices, antibiotics, or other medications has been associated with toxic anterior segment syndrome. Problems related to the cleaning and sterilization of instruments for cataract surgery have been found to be a cause.
References
- ^ "Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome After Cataract Surgery". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 29 June 2007. Retrieved 2013-04-18.