Infection of a filtering bleb. May occur any time after glaucoma filtering procedures (days to years). Greater incidence with use of antimetabolites during initial surgery, multiple surgeries, and postoperative complications including flat anterior chamber and wound leak.
Red eye and discharge early. Later, aching pain, photophobia, decreased vision, and mucous discharge.
(See Figure 9.19.1.)
NOTE: |
The most frequent organisms in the early postoperative period include Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and other Gram-positive organisms. If blebitis occurs months to years later, Streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, S. aureus, Moraxella, Pseudomonas, and Serratia are more common. |