Delayed presentation of surgically induced scleral necrosis after I-BRITE procedure treated with immunosuppressive therapy

Digit J Ophthalmol. 2023 Sep 30;29(3):77-82. doi: 10.5693/djo.02.2023.04.005. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Surgically induced scleral necrosis (SISN) is an uncommon complication of ocular procedures. Cosmetic eye-whitening surgery involves conjunctival and Tenon's capsule dissection, cautery, and mitomycin C application. We report the case of a 36-year-old white woman referred to our clinic for severe pain, scleral inflammation, and necrosis in both eyes 9 years after I-BRITE, an elective eye-whitening procedure. An extensive workup yielded negative results. The patient improved with aggressive lubrication and topical and high-dose systemic prednisone (60 mg), with recurrence upon steroid tapering. Concomitant weekly methotrexate was added, resulting in inflammatory control and allowing discontinuance of topical and oral steroids.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Conjunctiva / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Mitomycin* / therapeutic use
  • Necrosis / etiology
  • Sclera* / surgery

Substances

  • Mitomycin