Rarely reported ocular complications following surgery to correct chronic suppurative otitis media

The objective of this study was to describe the rarely reported ocular complications following surgery to correct chronic suppurative otitis media. A retrospective analysis was made of 2,318 cases of chronic suppurative otitis media treated with surgery between January 2004 and December 2009 at West China Hospital, Sichuan University, a medical center in Western China. Ninety-two cases of ocular complications were identified, giving an incidence of 3.97%. In 63 of the 92 cases (68.48%), the patients complained of blurred vision and the condition was classified as grade 1. In 24 cases (26.09%), the patients complained of mild periorbital edema and the condition was classified as grade 2. Four cases (4.35%) were classified as grade 3 because of severe edema with erythema on eyelids. One case (1.09%) was classified as grade 4 because of periorbital ecchymosis in addition to edema. The clinical features and the possible etiology were analyzed and are discussed. Ocular complications following chronic suppurative otitis media surgery are rare. Preauricular incision, disturbance of venous and lymphatic drainage, and preseptal cellulitis were the possible etiological factors. Eye injury during surgery and use of an anticholinergic agent might be risk factors for blurred vision after this surgery.