Early anti-VEGF treatment for hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis as a complication of cataract surgery

Abstract

Abstract Background We report a case of hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis (HORV) after prophylactic intracameral vancomycin use during an uneventful cataract surgery treated with early anti-VEGF treatment. Case presentation A 51-year-old female underwent uneventful cataract surgery with prophylactic intracameral vancomycin during the procedure. On the seventh post-operative-day, she presented with sudden painful, visual loss. Fundus examination revealed peripheral hemorrhagic retinal vasculitis. She received anti-VEGF therapy to prevent further vision loss and retinal neovascularization due to extensive retinal ischemia. At the 6-month follow-up visit, visual acuity was 20/20 with no sign of neovascularization. Conclusions Postoperative HORV is a devastating condition that can occur after otherwise uncomplicated cataract surgery. The nature of this rare condition remains unknown. Early anti-VEGF administration seems to demonstrate favorable results.

Keywords

• Vancomycin
• Hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis
• Cataract surgery
• Anti-VEGF