Staphylococcus Capitus Blebitis Following Preserflo MicroShunt Implantation

To report a case of early-onset blebitis following Preserflo MicroShunt implantation.

Case report.

A 73-year-old woman with a history of open angle glaucoma secondary to pseudoexfoliative syndrome in her right eye underwent Preserflo MicroShunt implantation augmented with mitomycin C. Three months postoperatively, she experienced ocular pain and a decrease in visual acuity. Clinical examination revealed conjunctival hyperemia surrounding a whitish filtering bleb, positive conjunctival fluorescein staining, and a positive Seidel sign leading to hypotony. In addition, an inflammatory reaction was observed in the anterior chamber, along with localized vitreous haze. Management included topical antibiotic therapy, removal of necrotic tissue, and explantation of the Preserflo MicroShunt. Staphylococcus capitis was isolated from both conjunctival and implant cultures, confirming the clinical diagnosis of infectious blebitis. Intraocular pressure and visual function were successfully restored after surgery.

Blebitis is a rare but potentially serious complication following Preserflo MicroShunt implantation with mitomycin C. Device removal may be necessary to prevent bacterial infection from extending beyond the filtering bleb into the anterior chamber.