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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
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Cataract surgery during active methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection.
Ahmad M Mansour1, Haytham I Salti2
1Department of Ophthalmology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon ; Rafic Hariri University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon.
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)
|May 3, 2014
Summary
Patients with active methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) wounds can safely undergo cataract surgery. Additional precautions during and after surgery ensure no infection, preserving patient lifestyles.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Safety
Background:
- Two patients presented with active, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) wound infections post-surgery.
- Both patients had debilitating cataracts and were advised against cataract surgery due to infection risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and feasibility of cataract surgery in patients with active MRSA wound infections.
- To determine if standard surgical protocols can be modified to mitigate risks.
Main Methods:
- Sequential bilateral phacoemulsification was performed on both patients.
- Intraoperative and postoperative precautions were implemented, including meticulous wound closure and topical antibiotic use.
Main Results:
- Neither patient exhibited any signs of infection following cataract surgery.
- The MRSA wounds remained stable without complications related to the ophthalmic procedure.
Conclusions:
- Cataract surgery is a safe procedure for patients with active MRSA wound infections when appropriate precautions are taken.
- Avoiding cataract surgery in these patients may unnecessarily impact their quality of life.
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