Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the first reported case of a subretinal abscess after strabismus surgery and the successful treatment with vitrectomy, intravitreal antibiotics, and cryotherapy.
Methods: This is a retrospective case report and literature review.
Results: A 4-year-old boy underwent uncomplicated bilateral medial rectus muscle recession. Within 9 days after surgery, he developed unilateral endophthalmitis with a subretinal abscess at the approximate location of the medial rectus muscle insertion. The rectus muscle-scleral suture was removed, and transscleral cryotherapy was applied to the abscess site. Vitrectomy with injection of intravitreal antibiotics was performed. A bacterial culture of the removed suture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus and sensitive to his antibiotics. By 1 month, the abscess and vitritis had resolved completely.
Conclusion: This is the first reported case of endophthalmitis with a subretinal abscess occurring after strabismus surgery. In general, endophthalmitis after strabismus surgery has a poor visual prognosis. Early diagnosis and intervention with intravitreal antibiotics and possible vitrectomy may be advantageous for patients with a subretinal abscess.