Orbital abscess following uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery

The case is presented of an 80-year-old woman who developed an orbital abscess after undergoing routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery to her right eye. She was treated by drainage via an anterior orbitotomy and a sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was cultured. The presenting signs and symptoms resolved and final visual acuity was 6/9 in the right eye. One possible aetiology was the introduction of skin flora to orbital tissues during the peribulbar administration of local anaesthetic for the cataract surgery. Alternatively, secondary haemorrhage with secondary infection may have occurred.