Case report: Central retinal artery occlusion following scleral buckling surgery with secondary angle closure and recurrent acute ocular hypertension - Summary - MDSpire

Case report: Central retinal artery occlusion following scleral buckling surgery with secondary angle closure and recurrent acute ocular hypertension

  • By

  • Jing Chen

  • Ling Zhang

  • July 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To report a case of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) following combined phacoemulsification and scleral buckling surgery for retinal detachment and to discuss the associated complications.

Approach:
  • Case Presentation: A man in his late 60s underwent combined phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation and segmental scleral buckling for macula-sparing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment caused by inferotemporal ora dialysis. Post-surgery, he experienced recurrent ocular pain, intraocular pressure spikes, anterior chamber shallowing, and visual deterioration.
  • Diagnostic Evaluation: Fundus examination showed diffuse retinal whitening, a cherry-red spot, and marked retinal arterial attenuation. Fluorescein angiography confirmed CRAO with retinal ischemia and choroidal hypoperfusion.
  • Treatment: The patient received multiple interventions including anterior chamber paracentesis, topical pilocarpine, systemic IOP-lowering therapy, intravenous mannitol, oxygen therapy, and adjunctive supportive treatment.
Key Findings:
  • The patient developed CRAO shortly after combined phacoemulsification and scleral buckling surgery.
  • Symptoms included recurrent ocular pain, anterior chamber shallowing, and secondary angle closure.
  • Visual acuity deteriorated to no light perception despite treatment.
Interpretation:

The case suggests a potential mechanism involving anterior segment crowding due to scleral buckling leading to retinal ischemia.

Limitations:
  • The mechanism of CRAO could not be definitively proven.
  • The findings are based on a single patient experience, limiting generalizability.
Conclusion:

Urgent reassessment of IOP and anterior chamber configuration is crucial after scleral buckling surgery when complications arise.

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