Ocular complication of intralesional corticosteroid injection of a chalazion.

PURPOSE: To report a major complication of intralesional corticosteroid injection for the treatment of a chalazion.

METHODS: A 28-year-old woman presented with a 4-day history of decreased vision in her left eye that developed after corticosteroid injection to her upper eyelid for the treatment of chalazion. The visual acuity was 20/20 in her right and finger counting in her left eye. Anterior segment examination showed an inferior corneal opacity with positive Seidel test and cataract.

RESULTS: A soft contact lens was applied to cornea and antibiotic therapy was given to prevent endophthalmitis. Cataract was removed by lens aspiration and a posterior chamber intraocular lens was implanted. After surgery, the visual acuity increased to 20/20 in her left eye.

CONCLUSIONS: Inadvertent corneal penetration and traumatic cataract are possible and serious complications of intralesional corticosteroid injection.