Necrotizing scleritis after strabismus surgery in thyroid eye disease

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Complications
• Ocular Inflammatory Diseases

Background:

• Necrotizing scleritis is a severe, vision-threatening inflammatory condition affecting the sclera.
• It can occur as a rare complication following various ocular surgeries.
• Early recognition and prompt management are crucial to prevent devastating outcomes.

Observation:

• A 58-year-old female patient developed necrotizing scleritis after strabismus surgery.
• The strabismus surgery was performed to address thyroid ophthalmopathy.
• The patient presented with signs and symptoms indicative of scleral necrosis.

Findings:

• The necrotizing scleritis was surgically induced, a rare but serious sequela.
• Conservative management was insufficient, necessitating surgical intervention.
• Tectonic corneal patch grafting was performed to restore ocular integrity.

Implications:

• Tectonic corneal patch grafting can be an effective treatment for surgically induced necrotizing scleritis.
• This case highlights the importance of considering necrotizing scleritis in the differential diagnosis of postoperative ocular inflammation.
• Prompt surgical management, such as corneal grafting, can lead to favorable outcomes in complex cases of scleral necrosis.