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December 15, 2025
Background
Toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) is identified by aseptic postoperative inflammation of the front part of the eye after intraocular surgery. While TASS usually appears after cataract surgery, it has also been observed after keratoplasty and surgeries involving the back part of the eye.
The inflammation can range from mild with a low cellular response to severe enough to cause significant cornea swelling and hypopyon. It can occur rapidly (within days) or later (after several months). A broad case series found the overall occurrence of TASS to be 0.22%.
Epidemiology
Incidence: The reported incidence of TASS varies across studies. The incidence rates range from 0.03% to 3% of cases following cataract surgery.
Anatomy
Pathophysiology
Etiology
Residual sterilization agents: Improper rinsing or inadequate removal of sterilizing agents used for surgical instruments can lead to their introduction into the eye during surgery.
Genetics
Prognostic Factors
These factors can help clinicians assess the prognosis and guide treatment decisions.
Clinical History
CLINICAL HISTORY
Age Group: Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) can affect individuals across various age groups, including both younger and older individuals.
Physical Examination
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Age group
Associated comorbidity
Associated Comorbidity or Activity:
Systemic Health Conditions: Some general health conditions can impact the overall health and ability to heal of the eye, which could potentially impact the development and outcome of TASS.
Hypersensitivities and Allergies: People with known sensitivities or a past of allergic reactions may have a higher chance of developing TASS.
Previous Eye Operations: Individuals who have had previous intraocular surgeries or experienced complications from ocular procedures may be more prone to TASS.
Associated activity
Acuity of presentation
Acuity of Presentation:
The visual acuity at presentation of Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) may differ based on the gravity of the ailment and the patient. Generally, TASS presents within the initial 12 to 48 hours after intraocular surgery, predominantly cataract surgery.
Unaffected Visual Acuity: TASS may present with minimal influence on visual acuity. The individual might encounter indications like agony, inflammation, and uneasiness in the affected eye, but their visual acuity could continue to be relatively steady or only slightly impacted.
Reduced Visual Acuity: TASS frequently manifests with a reduction in visual acuity. The inflammation and swelling in the front section can lead to hazy vision, reduced sharpness, and impaired visual performance.
Differential Diagnoses
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Laboratory Studies
Imaging Studies
Procedures
Histologic Findings
Staging
Treatment Paradigm
TREATMENT PARADIGM
Modification of Environment:
These can be an important aspect of managing Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) to minimize further exposure to potential contaminants and support the healing process.
Administration of Pharmaceutical Agents with Drugs:
The administration of pharmaceutical agents in the management of Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) aims to control inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and promote healing.
Intervention with a Procedure:
Phase of Management:
by Stage
by Modality
Chemotherapy
Radiation Therapy
Surgical Interventions
Hormone Therapy
Immunotherapy
Hyperthermia
Photodynamic Therapy
Stem Cell Transplant
Targeted Therapy
Palliative Care
Medication
Future Trends
References
Toxic anterior segment syndrome-an updated review | BMC Ophthalmology | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)
Toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) is identified by aseptic postoperative inflammation of the front part of the eye after intraocular surgery. While TASS usually appears after cataract surgery, it has also been observed after keratoplasty and surgeries involving the back part of the eye.
The inflammation can range from mild with a low cellular response to severe enough to cause significant cornea swelling and hypopyon. It can occur rapidly (within days) or later (after several months). A broad case series found the overall occurrence of TASS to be 0.22%.
Incidence: The reported incidence of TASS varies across studies. The incidence rates range from 0.03% to 3% of cases following cataract surgery.
Residual sterilization agents: Improper rinsing or inadequate removal of sterilizing agents used for surgical instruments can lead to their introduction into the eye during surgery.
These factors can help clinicians assess the prognosis and guide treatment decisions.
CLINICAL HISTORY
Age Group: Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) can affect individuals across various age groups, including both younger and older individuals.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Associated Comorbidity or Activity:
Systemic Health Conditions: Some general health conditions can impact the overall health and ability to heal of the eye, which could potentially impact the development and outcome of TASS.
Hypersensitivities and Allergies: People with known sensitivities or a past of allergic reactions may have a higher chance of developing TASS.
Previous Eye Operations: Individuals who have had previous intraocular surgeries or experienced complications from ocular procedures may be more prone to TASS.
Acuity of Presentation:
The visual acuity at presentation of Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) may differ based on the gravity of the ailment and the patient. Generally, TASS presents within the initial 12 to 48 hours after intraocular surgery, predominantly cataract surgery.
Unaffected Visual Acuity: TASS may present with minimal influence on visual acuity. The individual might encounter indications like agony, inflammation, and uneasiness in the affected eye, but their visual acuity could continue to be relatively steady or only slightly impacted.
Reduced Visual Acuity: TASS frequently manifests with a reduction in visual acuity. The inflammation and swelling in the front section can lead to hazy vision, reduced sharpness, and impaired visual performance.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
TREATMENT PARADIGM
Modification of Environment:
These can be an important aspect of managing Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) to minimize further exposure to potential contaminants and support the healing process.
Administration of Pharmaceutical Agents with Drugs:
The administration of pharmaceutical agents in the management of Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) aims to control inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and promote healing.
Intervention with a Procedure:
Phase of Management:
Toxic anterior segment syndrome-an updated review | BMC Ophthalmology | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)
Toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) is identified by aseptic postoperative inflammation of the front part of the eye after intraocular surgery. While TASS usually appears after cataract surgery, it has also been observed after keratoplasty and surgeries involving the back part of the eye.
The inflammation can range from mild with a low cellular response to severe enough to cause significant cornea swelling and hypopyon. It can occur rapidly (within days) or later (after several months). A broad case series found the overall occurrence of TASS to be 0.22%.
Incidence: The reported incidence of TASS varies across studies. The incidence rates range from 0.03% to 3% of cases following cataract surgery.
Residual sterilization agents: Improper rinsing or inadequate removal of sterilizing agents used for surgical instruments can lead to their introduction into the eye during surgery.
These factors can help clinicians assess the prognosis and guide treatment decisions.
CLINICAL HISTORY
Age Group: Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) can affect individuals across various age groups, including both younger and older individuals.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Associated Comorbidity or Activity:
Systemic Health Conditions: Some general health conditions can impact the overall health and ability to heal of the eye, which could potentially impact the development and outcome of TASS.
Hypersensitivities and Allergies: People with known sensitivities or a past of allergic reactions may have a higher chance of developing TASS.
Previous Eye Operations: Individuals who have had previous intraocular surgeries or experienced complications from ocular procedures may be more prone to TASS.
Acuity of Presentation:
The visual acuity at presentation of Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) may differ based on the gravity of the ailment and the patient. Generally, TASS presents within the initial 12 to 48 hours after intraocular surgery, predominantly cataract surgery.
Unaffected Visual Acuity: TASS may present with minimal influence on visual acuity. The individual might encounter indications like agony, inflammation, and uneasiness in the affected eye, but their visual acuity could continue to be relatively steady or only slightly impacted.
Reduced Visual Acuity: TASS frequently manifests with a reduction in visual acuity. The inflammation and swelling in the front section can lead to hazy vision, reduced sharpness, and impaired visual performance.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
TREATMENT PARADIGM
Modification of Environment:
These can be an important aspect of managing Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) to minimize further exposure to potential contaminants and support the healing process.
Administration of Pharmaceutical Agents with Drugs:
The administration of pharmaceutical agents in the management of Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) aims to control inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and promote healing.
Intervention with a Procedure:
Phase of Management:
Toxic anterior segment syndrome-an updated review | BMC Ophthalmology | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)

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