Periocular infection after strabismus surgery. The Periocular Infection Study Group.

Fewer than 15 cases of cellulitis and subconjunctival abscess after extraocular muscle surgery have been reported in detail. In an effort to provide greater information about this serious complication, the members of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPO&S) were surveyed and contributed cases were analyzed. Among the 25 cases of cellulitis, there was a predominance of preschool age patients and Staphylococcus aureus cultures. Many cases presented after a normal initial postoperative visit. The most common symptoms were marked swelling and pain. Possible predisposing factors included unsuspected sinusitis, eye rubbing, and poor hygiene. Two patients had documented bacteremia, but no patient developed endophthalmitis. All cases resolved on antibiotics, but only five patients were successfully treated with oral antibiotics alone. Periocular infections after extraocular muscle surgery can present after a normal initial postoperative visit. Symptoms of marked swelling and pain are cause for closer inspection. S. aureus is the most common organism and oral antibiotics alone can fail to halt the infection.