Post-Op Red Flag: Beating Inflammation or Infection? (Presentation and Discussion)

林純如 Chun-Ju LinTaiwan Speaker Post-Op Red Flag: Beating Inflammation or Infection?Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed ophthalmic procedures and is generally associated with excellent visual outcomes. However, postoperative inflammation or infection can still lead to serious complications if not promptly recognized and managed. Distinguishing routine postoperative inflammation from sterile hyper-inflammatory reactions or early infectious endophthalmitis remains a clinical challenge. Importantly, reviewing the patient’s past medical and ocular history is essential, as underlying conditions such as uveitis, autoimmune disease, or prior ocular surgeries can significantly increase the risk and severity of postoperative inflammatory responses. Typical postoperative inflammation usually presents within the first few days and responds effectively to topical corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. In contrast, red flag signs—such as severe ocular pain, rapid vision decline, hypopyon, fibrin formation, or marked anterior chamber reaction—should raise suspicion for infectious endophthalmitis and prompt urgent intervention. Risk factors including wound leak, retained lens fragments, vitreous loss, or systemic immunosuppression further heighten concern. When media opacity limits direct examination, imaging tools such as anterior segment OCT and B-scan ultrasonography may assist diagnosis. Additionally, evidence supports tailored anti-inflammatory regimens perioperatively. Early recognition, patient education regarding warning symptoms, and timely referral to specialized care are critical in preventing irreversible visual loss. By identifying subtle clinical cues and considering patient-specific risk factors, ophthalmologists can effectively differentiate inflammation from infection and safeguard postoperative visual outcomes.