Late-Onset Cystoid Macular Edema Associated With Small-Incision Cataract Surgery and Inadvertent Entry of Chloramphenicol Ointment into the Anterior Chamber.

The authors report the long-term outcome of a 78-year-old man who experienced inadvertent entry of chloramphenicol ointment into the anterior chamber following small-incision sutureless cataract surgery. The chloramphenicol initially formed a single spherical mass on the interior aspect of the corneal section with no discernable effect on visual acuity. However, in the following 6 years the vision deteriorated with the development of multiple fine droplets within the anterior chamber and cystoid macular edema. An anterior chamber washout and removal of the ointment was performed with a subsequent improvement in vision. The authors discuss risks associated with unsutured corneal wounds and the use of ocular ointments. Copyright 2010, SLACK Incorporated.