The Changing Character of the Infected Scleral Implant

In a previous report a syndrome of scleral abscess in the presence of diathermy was described. Unless the implant was removed, perforation might occur. Animal models suggested that the substitution of cryopexy would prevent perforation. This proposition has now been tested in 800 detachment patients. The incidence of postoperative infection continues to be 3%, but the character of the infection with cryosurgery has changed from an abscess with intraocular signs to that of an extraocular granuloma. The treatment is removal of the implant, but there is no urgency because perforation does not occur.