Continuing Education Activity

Lens abscess or intralenticular abscess is a rare ocular pathology seen after blunt or penetrating ocular trauma, routine cataract surgery, or metastatic infection. The patient usually presents with pain, redness, and acute reduction in visual acuity. On slit lamp examination, it appears as heterogenous lenticular opacity. It is imperative to delineate the abscess and remove it from the capsular bag to prevent chronic endophthalmitis. It is also necessary to differentiate lens abscesses from traumatic cataracts as the management and prognosis differ in the two cases. The tools available to diagnose a lens abscess are ultrasound B scan, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT), and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). The management of these cases is lens aspiration as soon as possible to remove the infective foci.

Objectives:

• Describe the etiology of lens abscesses.
• Review the pathophysiology of lens abscess.
• Summarize the differential diagnosis of lens abscess.
• Outline the management of lens abscesses.

Introduction

Intralenticular or lens abscess is an uncommon ocular entity resulting from post-trauma, surgery, or metastatic spread.[1] It can also be sterile. Lens abscesses can result secondary to trauma from iron rod, thorn injury, vegetative matter trauma, intralenticular cilia or ophthalmia nodosa, mud injury, dust fall, and stone injury and can also result from blunt trauma to the eye. The lens can be damaged in approximately 30% of perforating eye injuries and 10% of intralenticular foreign bodies lodged in the lens.[2] In cases with blunt trauma, the patient with a lens abscess can have mild symptoms such as pain, blurred vision, and watering. The patients with penetrating trauma present with pain, redness, and sudden onset defective vision.[3]

Slit lamp examination usually reveals a heterogenous lens opacity or pus-filled lenticular cavity. Fundus examination is extremely vital to rule out vitritis and endophthalmitis. Documentation of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and seidel's test is also essential to assess the treatment response in each case. The other critical investigation of interest which can delineate a lens abscess well are ultrasound B scan, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT), and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).[4]

It is also essential to assess the integrity of the posterior capsule as the risk of endophthalmitis is increased manifold when the posterior capsule is ruptured. It is vital to differentiate lens abscesses from traumatic cataracts, as IOL implantation in primary sitting is contraindicated. Diagnosing lens abscess requires clinician expertise, experience, and a high index of suspicion.

Prompt diagnosis, targeted intervention, elimination of microbial load, and regular and meticulous follow-up are the key elements for treatment success. It is also important to take a culture from the lens aspirate to pinpoint the microorganism. In cases with fungal lens abscesses, intravitreal steroids should be avoided. A detailed examination and high clinical suspicion are required to look for complications like secondary glaucoma, cystoid macular edema, and endophthalmitis.[5]

Etiology

Bacterial

Staphylococcus Aureus

Staphylococcus is the most common bacteria on the ocular surface and is an aerobic gram-positive organism with low virulence. It can also enter the after penetrating through an exogenous source. The organism is also commonly seen in the aspirate cultured from lens abscess.[6]

Staphylococcus Epidermidis

Staphylococcus epidermidis is also an aerobic, gram-positive bacteria with low virulence. It is commonly seen as a commensal in the eyes or can be associated with postoperative endophthalmitis. The organism has also been cultured from lens aspirate of lens abscess. There can also be a delayed manifestation of postoperative infection because steroids and antibiotics usually mask the initial response. As per previous reports, the microorganism can adhere to the plastic surface of the intraocular lens by producing a glycocalyx polysaccharide which acts as a glue.[7]

Propionibacterium Acne

Propionibacterium acne is commonly seen on the skin and conjunctiva and generally can be considered a contaminant of the ocular surface. The microorganism is an anaerobic, Gram-positive rod, which can also result in a mixed eye infection. The organism is sensitive to penicillin, less sensitive to cephalosporins, and resistant to gentamicin and vancomycin. The microorganism has also been reported commonly from lens abscess, postoperative endophthalmitis after trabeculectomy, and keratoplasty. It also invites the development of phacoantigenic uveitis.[5]

Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia

This microorganism has also been reported in cases with lens abscesses.[8]

Paecilomyces Lilacinus

This is one of the rare species reported in lens abscesses.[9]

Streptococcus Pneumoniae (Pneumococcus)

Pneumococcus causes ulcus serpans and has also been cultured in cases with lens abscesses.[10]

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

This is another species reported from lens abscess.[11]

  Fungal

• Aspergillus niger
• Candida
• Bipolaris
• Cladosporium
• Unidentified hyaline fungi[12]

Epidemiology

Lens abscess is more common in males because most are outdoor workers, especially farmers and factory workers. The lens can be damaged in approximately 30% of perforating eye injuries and 10% of intralenticular foreign bodies lodged in the lens.[13]

Pathophysiology

Once the anterior lens capsule is breached secondary to penetrating or blunt trauma, there is a cortical disturbance. The displaced cortex acts as an excellent nidus for microorganisms' growth and infection eruptions.[14] This results in the lenticular cavity or lens abscess. Since the lens is avascular, topical antibiotics also don't reach the lens cavity directly. It has also been observed that if the anterior capsular tear or rupture is less than 2 mm, it can heal without the proliferation of lens epithelial cells. Intraocular foreign bodies in the lens can also act as a nidus for microorganisms.[1]

Sometimes the foreign body is inert and remains lodged in the lens substance without reaction. If there is a breach of the posterior capsule, the microorganism, retained lens cortex, lens abscess, and chemical toxins released by the microorganism can reach the vitreous cavity and result in an inflammatory cascade.[15]

This results in vitritis and endophthalmitis. Whenever there is delayed endophthalmitis by low-grade pathogens such as P.acne, this is called localized endophthalmitis. In cases with immunosuppression or immunosuppressed patients, the mechanism of ocular immune privilege is also compromised in the anterior chamber, with a disrupted blood-retinal barrier, immunosuppressive factors in the eye, and systemic immune compromise such as anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID).[16]

History and Physical

History

A detailed history is extremely vital in each case. There can be blunt or penetrating trauma. There can be a history of vegetative matter trauma, needle, fishhook, iron rod, caterpillar hair, stone, mud, clay, metal, and chestnut injury.[17]

Symptoms

The patient can present with blepharospasm, swelling, pain, redness, defective vision, watering, photophobia, floaters, and flashes.[18]

Signs

Anterior segment examination may reveal any of the signs such as conjunctival congestion, chemosis, subconjunctival hemorrhage, conjunctival tear, corneal lamellar tear, full thickness cornea tear, self-sealed corneal tear, corneal edema, anterior chamber hypopyon, cells and flare in the anterior chamber, exudates over the iris, iridodialysis, iris bombe, posterior synechiae, relative afferent pupillary defect, sluggish reacting pupil, lens neovascularization,  pus-filled lens, or lens abscess. Sometimes the lenticular opacity can take the appearance of yellow-white exudate.[3]

The classic description of a lens abscess is whitish-yellow, dense, homogenous lenticular opacity which is well demarcated from the remaining lens. There can be an injury to the posterior capsule resulting posterior capsular tear. There can be associated vitritis, vitreous membranes, retinal injury, retinal tear, choroidal detachment, and exudates. There can be the associated presence of the foreign body in the anterior or posterior segment.[19]

Intralenticular abscess after fungal infection is less common. In cases with lens abscess due to fungal etiology, the typical findings are uveitis, fungal balls, and fibrinous membrane over the pupil. Fungal lens abscess can also manifest as fungal endophthalmitis, a latency of weeks to months. The timing of symptoms can vary from 24 hours to 6 months post-trauma, with an average of 1.8 months after open globe injury. In fungal endophthalmitis, the symptoms are subacute, and they worsen gradually.[20]

P.acne can also cause acute endophthalmitis, which can present as a full-blown acute infection or chronic low-grade smoldering infection. Chronic endophthalmitis has to be differentiated from phacoantigenic uveitis. In each case of lens abscess, it is essential to document the nature of trauma, presentation duration, onset and severity of symptoms, clinical findings, and visual acuity.[21]

Evaluation

Seidel's Test

In cases with blunt or penetrating trauma, it is always necessary to perform the Seidel and forced Seidel tests to determine the aqueous leak. In case of an aqueous leak, it is mandatory to suture the tear.[22]

Anterior chamber Tap

An anterior chamber should be performed to pinpoint the microorganism from the aqueous aspirate. An aqueous tap can be performed from the paracentesis with a 25 G needle, and 0.1 ml of aqueous can be aspirated for analysis.[23]

Smear Analysis

The lens material can also be taken on KOH smear, Gram stain, and Giemsa stain to determine whether it's a bacterial cause or a fungal cause.[24]

Culture of Lens Aspirate

In cases with the anterior capsular breach and cortical disturbance, the lens material can be removed by either lens aspiration by bimanual irrigation and aspiration or extracapsular cataract extraction approach or by manual small incision cataract surgical approach. Some of the lens material should be sent for culture, which can reveal colonies of a microorganism after 72 hours of growth. The most common culture media used are blood agar, chocolate agar, MacConkey agar, and Sabround Dextrose agar incubated in bacteriological indicator for 16 hours overnight at 37 degrees Celsius.[25]

B Scan Ultrasonography

This is a valuable investigation to rule out vitritis, vitreous membrane, exudates, endophthalmitis, and vitreous hemorrhage. When there is a defect in the posterior capsule, the lenticular matter can be seen extruding through the posterior capsule in the vitreous cavity as a dumbbell. This is called a "dumbbell sign" of lens abscess.[26]

Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography

ASOCT is a vital tool for looking for lens abscesses. It appears as heterogenous lenticular opacity on ASOCT.[1]

Ultrasound Biomicroscopy

UBM has also been listed as a vital tool for delineating lens abscesses.[27]

Computed Tomography

CT scan is vital to localizing any occult foreign body and bony defects.[28]

Treatment / Management

Medical Management

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are the mainstay in managing lens abscesses and safeguarding the eye from endophthalmitis. They can be given as topical, oral, intravenous, subconjunctival, and through the intravitreal route. They help in controlling infection and prevent the spread of abscesses.[29]

Topical

The drugs implicated are

• Moxifloxacin 5 mg/ml
• Fortified tobramycin 14 mg/ml
• Cefazolin 50 mg/ml
• Gentamicin 13.6 mg/ml
• Cefuroxime 50 mg/ml[30]

Subconjunctival

• Cefazolin 100 mg
• Gentamicin 20 mg
• Cefuroxime 125 mg
• Amphotericin B injections 0.01 mg/0.1 cc[31]

Intravenous

• Cefazolin sodium
• Gentamicin
• Sulphamethoxazole 240 mg
• Trimethoprim 1.2 g[32]

Intravitreal

• Ceftazidime 2 mg
• Vancomycin[33]

Oral

• Flucloxacillin 250 mg
• Pivampicillin 500 mg
• Metronidazole 400 mg
• Ofloxacin 200 mg
• Imipenem 200 mg[26]

Antifungals

Lens abscesses can also result from fungal species; hence topical, oral, and intracameral antifungals are needed. Topical antifungals have a slower penetration. Accordingly, hourly administration is warranted to get adequate anterior chamber penetration.[34]

Topical

• Natamycin 5%
• Voriconazole 1%
• Itraconazole 1%[35]

Oral

• Fluconazole 150 mg
• Voriconazole 200mg[36]

Intracameral

• Voriconazole 0.1cc[37]

Intrastromal

• Voriconazole 0.1 cc[38]

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are the mainstay in controlling inflammation. They should be used only when the infection has been controlled. The treating surgeon should be cautious while starting the steroids as it may flare up the abscess and vitritis and lead to the rapid multiplication of microorganisms leading to endophthalmitis. The postoperative steroid regimen is continued after cataract extraction, lens aspiration, and IOL implantation. They can be given through topical and oral routes. In rare cases, if there is persistent posterior segment inflammation, steroids are needed through intravenous and intravitreal routes. Topical steroids help treat conjunctival and scleral inflammation. Steroids can suppress the host's immune system, leading to deeper penetration and proliferation of the fungus. This can result in rebound anterior segment inflammation.[39]

Topical

• Prednisolone acetate 1% 10 mg/ml
• Dexamethasone 0.1%
• Betamethasone 0.05%[40]

Adjuvant Drugs

Cycloplegics

Cycloplegics help to control anterior chamber inflammation, relieve ciliary spasms, relieve pain, break posterior synechiae, prevent the formation of synechiae and prevent the breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier. They are vital in controlling inflammation.[41]

Drugs Implicated

• Atropine 1%
• Cyclopentolate 1%
• Homatropine 2.5%[42]

Antiglaucoma Drugs

They are needed to control intraocular pressure from uncontrolled inflammation, trabecular meshwork blockage, and trabeculitis. Miotics and prostaglandins are contraindicated in ocular inflammation.

Drugs

• Timolol 0.5%
• Brimonidine 0.2%[43]

Surgical Management

Evacuation of Lens Abscess

Whenever there is a breach in the anterior capsule and cortical matter disturbance, the lenticular material should be removed immediately to prevent endophthalmitis and panophthalmitis.[1]

Lens Aspiration

Young patients have no nucleus with lens matter, and the lenticular matter is mostly cortical. Hence the lens material can be easily aspirated from the paracentesis using bimanual irrigation and aspiration.[44]

Extra Capsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE)

In today's era, ECCE is not practiced much but is a viable option for abscess removal through the superior limbal incision.[45]

Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS)

Another nuclear management option is MSICS, by performing a sclerocorneal tunnel for cataract and abscess removal.[46]

Phacoemulsification

Those surgeons who don't practice ECCE and MSICS can use phacoemulsification as the primary process for lens removal.[47]

Anterior Vitrectomy

In some cases where there is zonular dialysis and posterior capsular breach, vitreous prolapse occurs in the anterior chamber. These cases require automated anterior vitrectomy along with the primary procedure.[48]

Pars Plana Vitrectomy

In cases where there is a nucleus drop, cortical matter drop in the vitreous cavity, non-resolving vitritis, vitreous hemorrhage, and endophthalmitis will require a para plana vitrectomy along with pars plana lensectomy or vitreous lavage.[49]

Aphakia Management

Earlier aphakia management was a matter of debate in cases of lens abscess. Primary IOL implantation reduces the visual rehabilitation time and defers additional surgical procedures. However, it is always advisable to defer primary IOL implantation in these cases. Primary IOL implantation can cause severe uveitis and manifest as cells, flare in the anterior chamber, keratic precipitates at the back of the cornea, posterior synechiae at the back of the cornea, pigments on the IOL, and vitritis. Secondary IOL implantation as a staged procedure has good outcomes in these cases and prevents developing infection and inflammation. A 3-piece hydrophobic IOL is stable for these cases.[50]

Nd YAG Laser Capsulotomy

Nd YAG laser capsulotomy will be needed once posterior capsular opacification is developed. This should be attempted only after three months of quiescence.[8]

100% Oxygen

The administration of 100 percent oxygen has also been tried as a treatment for lens abscess.[46]

Differential Diagnosis

• Bacterial keratitis
• Fungal keratitis
• Pythium keratitis[51][52][53]
• Acanthamoeba keratitis
• Endophthalmitis
• Panophthalmitis
• Bechet's disease
• HLA B27 associated uveitis
• Traumatic cataract
• Panuveitis

Prognosis

Prognosis in lens abscess cases depends on multiple factors such as type of trauma, the onset of infection, anterior or posterior segment involvement, immune status, timing and nature of the treatment, follow-up, and patient compliance.[1] The prognosis is good if the lens abscess is evacuated immediately and the posterior capsule is intact. The intact posterior capsule prevents the spread of infection to the vitreous cavity and acts as a barrier to the development of vitritis, pan uveitis, and endophthalmitis.[54]

The prognosis is poor if the posterior capsule is breached, the posterior segment is involved, and the immune system is compromised. Delay in surgical intervention is another reason for the poor prognosis of these cases.[54]

Complications

• Amblyopia
• Corneal scar
• Corneal decompensation
• Secondary glaucoma
• Festooned pupil
• Posterior synechiae
• Occlusio pupillae
• Seclusio pupillae
• Intermediate uveitis
• Panuveitis
• Vitritis
• Vitreous membranes
• Cystoid macular edema
• Endophthalmitis
• Panophthalmitis
• Retinal detachment
• Choroidal detachment

Postoperative and Rehabilitation Care

Once the patient has undergone evacuation of lens abscess and culture reports are available targeted antimicrobial therapy should be given. Antibacterials and antifungals are the mainstays depending on the microorganism involved. Culture-negative cases can be treated with combination therapy. A detailed fundus evaluation by a retina specialist is a must in each case to rule out signs of posterior segment infection and inflammation.[55]

Based on the clinical picture, the antibiotics and antifungals can be started at a dose of 6 to 8 times. If, on postoperative day 1, there is an infected corneal tear or hypopyon, and the focus of infection is there, the drugs should be given hourly. The medications should be tapered as the clinical condition of the patient improves. Steroids should be started under close supervision after 1 to 2 weeks of antimicrobial treatment. The patient should be explained and counseled regarding the prognosis of the cases and the need for suture removal and secondary IOL implantation. The patient should be followed up closely and counseled regarding the timely use of medications.[56]

Consultations

Any case of blunt or penetrating trauma presenting to the routine outpatient should be evaluated meticulously to rule out lenticular trauma and the development of an abscess. All patients should be dilated for lenticular examination, and the clinician should be able to differentiate between traumatic cataracts and lens abscesses. These cases should be referred to the cornea clinic or the available cornea consultant for expert inputs and targeted management. A retina specialist should also evaluate all lens abscess cases to rule out posterior segment involvement and prevent the development of any complications.[50]

Deterrence and Patient Education

All patients with a lens abscess should be counseled in detail regarding the nature of ocular pathology and its complications if not managed on time. The patient should be explained the need for lens abscess evacuation and aphakia management. The patient should also be explained that the primary aim is to get rid of the infection, and the secondary aim is visual rehabilitation. Each patient should be clearly explained the prognosis,  need for regular follow-up, timely treatment, and staged interventions.[50]

Pearls and Other Issues

Lens abscess is a rarely reported entity in literature. For an astute clinician, it is essential to differentiate traumatic cataracts from lens abscesses as the treatment is poles apart. The prognosis in each case is governed by immune status and posterior segment involvement. If the posterior capsule is breached, there is a high chance of endophthalmitis. Topical antimicrobial therapy and steroids should be used based on the patient's clinical status. Surgical removal of the infective foci is the treatment of choice for lens abscesses.[50]

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Lens abscess is a rare clinical entity usually diagnosed only by an experienced cornea or a cataract surgeon. Surgeons play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing these cases. The nurses help recruit the patient to the clinic, assist in slit lamp evaluation, visual acuity evaluation, intraocular pressure management, staining the eye, and counseling the patient.[57] They also help explain the medications to the patient and provide regular follow-ups of these patients. The pharmacist help in arranging the drugs for the patients. The operating room assistants help prepare patients during surgery and meticulously manage these cases. Hence, a good outcome in these cases depends on the interprofessional team's coordinated efforts and open communication between all team members.[58]

Review Questions

• Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.
• Click here for a simplified version.
• Comment on this article.

References

1.

Balamurugan S, Gurnani B, Kaur K, Gireesh P, Narayana S. Traumatic intralenticular abscess-What is so different? Indian J Radiol Imaging. 2020 Jan-Mar;30(1):92-94. [PMC free article: PMC7240887] [PubMed: 32476758]

2.

Liesegang TJ. Traumatic lens abscess: report of a case. Ann Ophthalmol. 1983 Dec;15(12):1151-4. [PubMed: 6660695]

3.

Mohseni M, Blair K, Gurnani B, Bragg BN. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): Jun 11, 2023. Blunt Eye Trauma. [PubMed: 29261988]

4.

Sayadi J, Mekni M, Kallel Z, Choura R, Gouider D, Malek I, Nacef L. Surgical management of a traumatic intralenticular abscess: a case report. Pan Afr Med J. 2022;41:81. [PMC free article: PMC8977368] [PubMed: 35432703]

5.

Fish LA, Ragen MT, Smith RE, Lean J. Propionibacterium acnes lens abscess after traumatic implantation of intralenticular cilia. Am J Ophthalmol. 1988 Apr 15;105(4):423-4. [PubMed: 3358438]

6.

Tong SY, Davis JS, Eichenberger E, Holland TL, Fowler VG. Staphylococcus aureus infections: epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and management. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2015 Jul;28(3):603-61. [PMC free article: PMC4451395] [PubMed: 26016486]

7.

Namvar AE, Bastarahang S, Abbasi N, Ghehi GS, Farhadbakhtiarian S, Arezi P, Hosseini M, Baravati SZ, Jokar Z, Chermahin SG. Clinical characteristics of Staphylococcus epidermidis: a systematic review. GMS Hyg Infect Control. 2014;9(3):Doc23. [PMC free article: PMC4184040] [PubMed: 25285267]

8.

Hutchinson K, Kempster R, Conrad D. Intralenticular abscess caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Eye (Lond). 2001 Jun;15(Pt 3):349-50. [PubMed: 11450743]

9.

Tara A, Kobayashi T, Kohmoto R, Fukumoto M, Sato T, Kida T, Ooi Y, Ikeda T. A Case of Fungal Endophthalmitis Caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus that Might Have Spread from the Sclera into the Intraocular Space. Case Rep Ophthalmol. 2020 May-Aug;11(2):256-262. [PMC free article: PMC7383179] [PubMed: 32774289]

10.

Weiser JN, Ferreira DM, Paton JC. Streptococcus pneumoniae: transmission, colonization and invasion. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2018 Jun;16(6):355-367. [PMC free article: PMC5949087] [PubMed: 29599457]

11.

Moradali MF, Ghods S, Rehm BH. Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lifestyle: A Paradigm for Adaptation, Survival, and Persistence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2017;7:39. [PMC free article: PMC5310132] [PubMed: 28261568]

12.

Brooks DE, Taylor DP, Plummer CE, Quinn R, Kallberg ME, Sheppard B, Barrie KP, Blackwood SE, Nunnery CM, Ben-Shlomo G, Clark CJ, Woodworth AA. Iris abscesses with and without intralenticular fungal invasion in the horse. Vet Ophthalmol. 2009 Sep-Oct;12(5):306-12. [PubMed: 19751491]

13.

Kaushik S, Ram J, Dogra MR, Narang S, Brar GS, Gupta A. Traumatic lens abscess with chornic endophthalmitis successfully treated with pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers. 2001 May-Jun;32(3):239-42. [PubMed: 11371092]

14.

Mangan MS, Arıcı C, Tuncer İ, Yetik H. Isolated Anterior Lens Capsule Rupture Secondary to Blunt Trauma: Pathophysiology and Treatment. Turk J Ophthalmol. 2016 Aug;46(4):197-199. [PMC free article: PMC5200829] [PubMed: 28058159]

15.

Lin YC, Kuo CL, Chen YM. Intralenticular foreign body: A case report and literature review. Taiwan J Ophthalmol. 2019 Jan-Mar;9(1):53-59. [PMC free article: PMC6432851] [PubMed: 30993070]

16.

Buggage RR, Callanan DG, Shen DF, Chan CC. Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis diagnosed by microdissection and PCR. Br J Ophthalmol. 2003 Sep;87(9):1190-1. [PMC free article: PMC1771828] [PubMed: 12928300]

17.

Grewal SS, Sud RN. Ocular injuries due to caterpillar hairs. Indian J Ophthalmol. 1976 Oct;24(3):14-7. [PubMed: 1031399]

18.

Digre KB, Brennan KC. Shedding light on photophobia. J Neuroophthalmol. 2012 Mar;32(1):68-81. [PMC free article: PMC3485070] [PubMed: 22330853]

19.

Elksnis Ē, Vanags J, Elksne E, Gertners O, Laganovska G. Isolated posterior capsule rupture after blunt eye injury. Clin Case Rep. 2021 Apr;9(4):2105-2108. [PMC free article: PMC8077443] [PubMed: 33936647]

20.

Hwang HJ, Lee YW, Koh KM, Hwang KY, Kwon YA, Song SW, Kim BY, Kim KY. Lenticular fungal infection caused by Aspergillus in a patient with traumatic corneal laceration: a case report. BMC Ophthalmol. 2020 May 01;20(1):173. [PMC free article: PMC7195745] [PubMed: 32357853]

21.

Rose-Nussbaumer J, Li Y, Lin P, Suhler E, Asquith M, Rosenbaum JT, Huang D. Aqueous cell differentiation in anterior uveitis using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2015 Feb 03;56(3):1430-6. [PMC free article: PMC4347308] [PubMed: 25650415]

22.

Campbell TD, Gnugnoli DM. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): Nov 5, 2022. Seidel Test. [PubMed: 31082063]

23.

Cheung CM, Durrani OM, Murray PI. The safety of anterior chamber paracentesis in patients with uveitis. Br J Ophthalmol. 2004 Apr;88(4):582-3. [PMC free article: PMC1772115] [PubMed: 15031183]

24.

Garg P, Rao GN. Corneal ulcer: diagnosis and management. Community Eye Health. 1999;12(30):21-3. [PMC free article: PMC1706003] [PubMed: 17491983]

25.

Sharma B, Abell RG, Arora T, Antony T, Vajpayee RB. Techniques of anterior capsulotomy in cataract surgery. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2019 Apr;67(4):450-460. [PMC free article: PMC6446625] [PubMed: 30900573]

26.

Salman A, Parmar P, Philip VR, Thomas PA, Jesudasan CA. Traumatic intralenticular abscess: a case series. Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2007 Apr;35(3):252-5. [PubMed: 17430512]

27.

Potop V, Coviltir V, Schmitzer S, Corbu CG, Ionescu CI, Burcel MG, Ciocâlteu A, Dăscălescu D. Ultrasound biomicroscopy as a vital tool in occult phacomorphic glaucoma. Rom J Ophthalmol. 2019 Oct-Dec;63(4):311-314. [PMC free article: PMC6943278] [PubMed: 31915727]

28.

Voss JO, Maier C, Wüster J, Beck-Broichsitter B, Ebker T, Vater J, Dommerich S, Raguse JD, Böning G, Thieme N. Imaging foreign bodies in head and neck trauma: a pictorial review. Insights Imaging. 2021 Feb 15;12(1):20. [PMC free article: PMC7884531] [PubMed: 33587198]

29.

Novosad BD, Callegan MC. Severe bacterial endophthalmitis: towards improving clinical outcomes. Expert Rev Ophthalmol. 2010 Oct;5(5):689-698. [PMC free article: PMC3092298] [PubMed: 21572565]

30.

Chatterjee S, Agrawal D. 5% cefuroxime as an alternative to 5% cefazolin in the treatment of Gram-positive bacterial keratitis. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2018 Jul;66(7):1046-1048. [PMC free article: PMC6032759] [PubMed: 29941771]

31.

Jaspers CA, Kieft H, Speelberg B, Buiting A, van Marwijk Kooij M, Ruys GJ, Vincent HH, Vermeulen MC, Olink AG, Hoepelman IM. Meropenem versus cefuroxime plus gentamicin for treatment of serious infections in elderly patients. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1998 May;42(5):1233-8. [PMC free article: PMC105786] [PubMed: 9593156]

32.

Kemnic TR, Coleman M. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): Nov 28, 2022. Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazole. [PubMed: 30020604]

33.

Noh GM, Nam KY, Lee SU, Lee SJ. Precipitation of Vancomycin and Ceftazidime on Intravitreal Injection in Endophthalmitis Patients. Korean J Ophthalmol. 2019 Jun;33(3):296-297. [PMC free article: PMC6557796] [PubMed: 31179663]

34.

Dong LK, Krebs DB. An intracameral approach for recalcitrant fungal keratitis. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2022 Mar;25:101369. [PMC free article: PMC8818535] [PubMed: 35146213]

35.

Sharma S, Das S, Virdi A, Fernandes M, Sahu SK, Kumar Koday N, Ali MH, Garg P, Motukupally SR. Re-appraisal of topical 1% voriconazole and 5% natamycin in the treatment of fungal keratitis in a randomised trial. Br J Ophthalmol. 2015 Sep;99(9):1190-5. [PubMed: 25740805]

36.

Greer ND. Voriconazole: the newest triazole antifungal agent. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2003 Apr;16(2):241-8. [PMC free article: PMC1201014] [PubMed: 16278744]

37.

Alves da Costa Pertuiset PA, Logroño JF. Fusarium Endophthalmitis following Cataract Surgery: Successful Treatment with Intravitreal and Systemic Voriconazole. Case Rep Ophthalmol Med. 2016;2016:4593042. [PMC free article: PMC4933851] [PubMed: 27418989]

38.

Albab N, Oujidi M, Belghamaidi S, Hakam J, Hajji I, Moutaj R, Moutaouakil A. Intrastromal injection of voriconazole as a therapeutic of fungal hypopyon: a case report. Pan Afr Med J. 2020;35:52. [PMC free article: PMC7250221] [PubMed: 32537057]

39.

Ramamoorthy S, Cidlowski JA. Corticosteroids: Mechanisms of Action in Health and Disease. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;42(1):15-31, vii. [PMC free article: PMC4662771] [PubMed: 26611548]

40.

Babu K, Mahendradas P. Medical management of uveitis - current trends. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2013 Jun;61(6):277-83. [PMC free article: PMC3744780] [PubMed: 23803479]

41.

Agrawal RV, Murthy S, Sangwan V, Biswas J. Current approach in diagnosis and management of anterior uveitis. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2010 Jan-Feb;58(1):11-9. [PMC free article: PMC2841369] [PubMed: 20029142]

42.

Kaur K, Gurnani B. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): Jun 11, 2023. Cycloplegic and Noncycloplegic Refraction. [PubMed: 35593830]

43.

Noecker RJ. The management of glaucoma and intraocular hypertension: current approaches and recent advances. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2006 Jun;2(2):193-206. [PMC free article: PMC1661659] [PubMed: 18360593]

44.

Wang Z, Lu Y, Xiao K, Gao Y, He J, Zhang S, Wang G, Zhang M. Bimanual irrigation-aspiration for ectopia lentis and use of a small incision for 4-point scleral-sutured foldable intraocular lens and anterior vitrectomy in patients with Marfan syndrome. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2019 Oct;67(10):1629-1633. [PMC free article: PMC6786229] [PubMed: 31546497]

45.

Mohanty P, Prasan VV, Vivekanand U. Conventional extracapsular cataract extraction and its importance in the present day ophthalmic practice. Oman J Ophthalmol. 2015 Sep-Dec;8(3):175-8. [PMC free article: PMC4738663] [PubMed: 26903724]

46.

Gurnani B, Kaur K. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): Jun 11, 2023. Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery. [PubMed: 35881728]

47.

Gurnani B, Kaur K. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): Jun 11, 2023. Phacoemulsification. [PubMed: 35015444]

48.

Astbury N, Wood M, Gajiwala U, Patel R, In the Sewa Rural Team. Chen Y, Benjamin L, Abuh SO. Management of capsular rupture and vitreous loss in cataract surgery. Community Eye Health. 2008 Mar;21(65):6-8. [PMC free article: PMC2377380] [PubMed: 18504467]

49.

Salehi A, Razmju H, Beni AN, Beni ZN. Visual outcome of early and late pars plana vitrectomy in patients with dropped nucleus during phacoemulsification. J Res Med Sci. 2011 Nov;16(11):1422-9. [PMC free article: PMC3430058] [PubMed: 22973342]

50.

Rajaraman R, Lalitha P, Raghavan A, Palanisamy M, Prajna NV. Traumatic lenticular abscess: clinical description and outcome. Am J Ophthalmol. 2007 Jul;144(1):144-6. [PubMed: 17601443]

51.

Gurnani B, Kaur K. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): Jul 17, 2023. Pythium Keratitis. [PubMed: 34424645]

52.

Gurnani B, Kaur K, Agarwal S, Lalgudi VG, Shekhawat NS, Venugopal A, Tripathy K, Srinivasan B, Iyer G, Gubert J. Pythium insidiosum Keratitis: Past, Present, and Future. Ophthalmol Ther. 2022 Oct;11(5):1629-1653. [PMC free article: PMC9255487] [PubMed: 35788551]

53.

Gurnani B, Kaur K, Venugopal A, Srinivasan B, Bagga B, Iyer G, Christy J, Prajna L, Vanathi M, Garg P, Narayana S, Agarwal S, Sahu S. Pythium insidiosum keratitis - A review. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2022 Apr;70(4):1107-1120. [PMC free article: PMC9240499] [PubMed: 35325996]

54.

Beyer TL, O'Donnell FE, Goncalves V, Singh R. Role of the posterior capsule in the prevention of postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis: experimental primate studies and clinical implications. Br J Ophthalmol. 1985 Nov;69(11):841-6. [PMC free article: PMC1040756] [PubMed: 3877524]

55.

Leekha S, Terrell CL, Edson RS. General principles of antimicrobial therapy. Mayo Clin Proc. 2011 Feb;86(2):156-67. [PMC free article: PMC3031442] [PubMed: 21282489]

56.

Qiu S, Zhao GQ, Lin J, Wang X, Hu LT, Du ZD, Wang Q, Zhu CC. Natamycin in the treatment of fungal keratitis: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. Int J Ophthalmol. 2015;8(3):597-602. [PMC free article: PMC4458670] [PubMed: 26086015]

57.

Smith LF, Bainbridge J, Burns J, Stevens J, Taylor P, Murdoch I. Evaluation of telemedicine for slit lamp examination of the eye following cataract surgery. Br J Ophthalmol. 2003 Apr;87(4):502-3. [PMC free article: PMC1771588] [PubMed: 12642321]

58.

Sanii Y, Torkamandi H, Gholami K, Hadavand N, Javadi M. Role of pharmacist counseling in pharmacotherapy quality improvement. J Res Pharm Pract. 2016 Apr-Jun;5(2):132-7. [PMC free article: PMC4843583] [PubMed: 27162808]

Disclosure: Kirandeep Kaur declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Bharat Gurnani declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.