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Case Report
Postoperative orbital abscess with total ophthalmoplegia following uncomplicated subscleral trabeculectomy: A rare complication with complete recovery of ocular motility after drainage, a case report
1 MD, FRCS Glasgow, Glaucoma consultant, glaucoma, Memorial Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Giza, Egypt
2 MSc, Glaucoma specialist, glaucoma, Memorial Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Giza, Egypt
Address correspondence to:
Shaimaa Ibrahim Gafar
Ibrahim Gafar Villa, Tunisian Canal Street, Mansoria, Imbaba, Giza,
Egypt
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Article ID: 100050Z17SG2026
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How to cite this article
Gafar SI, Emam MS. Postoperative orbital abscess with total ophthalmoplegia following uncomplicated subscleral trabeculectomy: A rare complication with complete recovery of ocular motility after drainage, a case report. J Case Rep Images Opthalmol 2026;9(1):1–5.ABSTRACT
Introduction: Orbital abscess (OA) is a very rare condition in which there is a collection of purulent discharge behind the orbital septum. It may lead to both serious ocular and systemic complications with high morbidity and mortality. It usually occurs as a sequalae of orbital cellulitis, post-traumatic and rare postoperative complications.
Case Report: A 53-old female patient who underwent an uneventful subscleral trabeculectomy (SST) for advanced primary open angle glaucoma. Ten days after surgery the patient developed limited motility in the inferior gaze of the operated eye with conjunctival chemosis which progressed to total ophthalmoplegia after a few days. An orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for her and revealed orbital collection. Management and outcome: The patient was hospitalized and started empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics. Unfortunately, the patient deteriorated much further, necessitating surgical evacuation.
Conclusion: Orbital abscess is a very rare complication that may require urgent intervention to secure not only the patient’s eye but also her life.
Keywords: Ophthalmoplegia, Orbital abscess, Trabeculectomy
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Acknowledgments
We greatly appreciate the great effort and help of Professor Dr. AMR El Shafey (Oculoplastic consultant, Memorial Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Giza, Egypt).
Author ContributionsShaimaa Ibrahim Gafar - Substantial contributions to conception and design, Analysis of data, Interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published
Mohamed Saad Emam - Acquisition of data, Interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published
Guaranter of SubmissionThe corresponding author is the guarantor of submission.
Source of SupportNone
Consent StatementWritten informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this article.
Data AvailabilityAll relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.
Conflict of InterestAuthors declare no conflict of interest.
Copyright© 2026 Shaimaa Ibrahim Gafar et al. This article is distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium provided the original author(s) and original publisher are properly credited. Please see the copyright policy on the journal website for more information.
