Scleral buckle infection due to Nocardia cyriacigeorgica

Abstract

A 34-year-old male complained of pain, discharge, and foreign body sensation in the right eye (RE) for 1 week. On anterior segment examination, RE had conjunctival congestion with an exposed buckle at 12 o’clock and buckle sutures covered with thin conjunctiva in the other quadrants. A diagnosis of an exposed and infected scleral buckle in RE was made, and buckle explant removal was done. Culture isolated Nocardia cyriacigeorgica from the explant. This case highlights the importance of surgeons being aware of Nocardia’s potential to cause buckle infection, its delayed manifestation, the need for timely diagnosis using microbiology, appropriate treatment using sensitive antibiotics, and proper follow-up.