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Suppurative keratitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae after cataract surgery
D G Charteris1, M Batterbury, M Armstrong
1Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Peripheral suppurative keratitis can occur months after cataract surgery in elderly patients. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the cause in all cases, requiring antibiotics and steroids for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cataract surgery is a common procedure, but complications can arise.
- Peripheral suppurative keratitis is a rare but serious post-operative complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a series of elderly patients who developed peripheral suppurative keratitis after cataract surgery.
- To identify the causative agent and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Case series of six elderly patients (76-86 years).
- Clinical presentation, surgical history (corneal section, nylon sutures), and microbiological cultures (corneal scrape) were analyzed.
- Treatment regimens including antibiotics and topical steroids were recorded.
Main Results:
- All patients developed peripheral suppurative keratitis 1-36 months post-cataract surgery.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified in all cases.
- Treatment led to slow resolution, with five patients requiring topical steroids. Corneal opacification persisted in all.
Conclusions:
- Elderly patients undergoing cataract surgery with corneal section and nylon sutures are at risk for late-onset peripheral suppurative keratitis.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant pathogen in this complication.
- While treatable, the condition can lead to persistent corneal opacity.