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Sympathetic ophthalmia following vitreoretinal surgery
Zeynep Ozbek1, Gul Arikan, Aylin Yaman
1Department of Ophthalmology, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey. zeynep.ozbek@deu.edu.tr
International Ophthalmology
|July 10, 2009
Summary
Sympathetic ophthalmia can occur after vitreoretinal surgery for trauma or retinal detachment. Early evaluation of fellow eye visual disturbances is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of this serious condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retina Surgery
- Uveitis
Background:
- Vitreoretinal surgery, including procedures for trauma and retinal detachment, carries a risk of sympathetic ophthalmia.
- Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare but serious immune-mediated condition affecting the fellow eye.
Observation:
- Three cases of sympathetic ophthalmia following vitreoretinal surgery are presented.
- Presentations varied, including post-trauma and post-retinal detachment repair.
- Symptoms in the fellow eye included visual loss, exudative detachment, and disc swelling.
Findings:
- Sympathetic ophthalmia was diagnosed in patients who underwent various vitreoretinal procedures.
- Treatment involved systemic steroids, sometimes with immunosuppressants like azathioprine.
- Enucleation was performed in one severe case with no useful vision.
Implications:
- Vitreoretinal surgeons must be vigilant for sympathetic ophthalmia in patients experiencing visual disturbances in the fellow eye.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to preserve vision.
- The condition can occur even with seemingly mild anterior segment findings, emphasizing posterior segment evaluation.
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