[Sympathetic ophthalmia].

The authors give an account of a case of sympathetic ophthalmia which was successfully managed by reoperation of the injured eye, corticoids and immunosuppressive drugs. Sympathetic ophthalmia developed after perforation of the cornea along with traumatic cataract one month following the accident. It was manifested by irritation of the anterior segment of both eyes and marked exudation into the area of the posterior pole of the sympathizing eye. On the injured eye surgical reconstruction of the anterior segment was performed and concurrently broad spectrum antibiotics and corticoids were administered. On this therapy the anterior segment of both eyes began to improve, while the exudation into the area of the posterior pole of the sympathizing eye proceeded; therefore immunosuppressive therapy was started. The manifestations of sympathetic ophthalmia receded gradually. After an alternative way of corticoid reduction was started, a relapse of sympathetic ophthalmia occurred. The relapse was suppressed by a temporary increase of the dosage. Three months after the development of sympathetic ophthalmia, using the treatment described, the uveal inflammation of both eyes receded. At present, two years after the accident, both eyes are in a satisfactory condition with normal visual acuity--on the injured eye with an aphakic correction.