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Case Reports
. 2024 Oct 4;16(10):e70861.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.70861. eCollection 2024 Oct.

Necrotizing Scleritis Post Cataract Surgery: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Vishakha Vatkar  1 , Deepaswi Bhavsar  1 , Tushar Agrawal  1 , Pradipta P Potdar  1 , Kalibo Jakhalu  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Necrotizing Scleritis Post Cataract Surgery: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Vishakha Vatkar et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Scleral necrosis following ocular surgery can lead to significant ocular and systemic complications. The two most prevalent procedures associated with surgically-induced scleral necrosis are pterygium excision and cataract surgery. This condition represents a rare delayed hypersensitivity reaction. We present a case of a male patient in his late 60s from India who experienced progressive scleral necrosis in his right eye six months after undergoing small-incision cataract surgery (SICS). The patient exhibited pain and redness without any decline in vision, and all systemic evaluations returned normal results. Ultimately, he was scheduled for a scleral patch graft. This case emphasizes the necessity for rapid diagnosis of surgically-induced necrotizing scleritis (SINS) and timely intervention.

Keywords: delayed hypersensitivity reaction; necrotising scleritis; ophthalmology; small-incision cataract surgery; surgically-induced necrotizing scleritis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Anterior segment photograph of the right eye showing circumcorneal congestion with scleral thinning and tortuous vessels
Figure 2
Figure 2. Right eye showing diffuse congestion with scleral necrosis and thinning through slit view
Figure 3
Figure 3. Left eye showing normal appearing sclera post small-incision cataract surgery
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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