Corneoscleral abscess resulting from a broken suture after cataract surgery

An 82-year-old man had pain and decreased vision in his right eye 15 months after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Examination revealed a large corneoscleral abscess with a 2 mm x 1 mm area of fluorescein staining at the base of a broken protruding 10-0 nylon suture. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from both the suture and base of the ulcer. Despite intensive topical, subconjunctival, and systemic antibiotics, a large corneal perforation developed, necessitating a 10 mm tectonic penetrating keratoplasty. Long-term follow-up of patients after cataract surgery is important and should include an inspection of the limbal wound and removal of loose or broken exposed sutures. Suture-related complications will be eliminated if clinical studies prove the safety and efficacy of sutureless cataract surgery.