Toxic anterior segment syndrome after cataract surgery

We report a case of toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) that developed after cataract surgery. A 78-year-old woman had uneventful phacoemulsification via a clear corneal incision with implantation of an acrylic intraocular lens. One day postoperatively, diffuse corneal edema and anterior chamber inflammation were evident. Topical antibiotic and steroid eyedrops were prescribed. The anterior chamber reaction decreased considerably, but corneal edema persisted. After a thorough investigation, the antiseptic solution used to soak surgical instruments before subsequent surgery was identified as the source of the problem.