Toxic anterior segment syndrome – causes and recomendations for prevention

Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome – TASS is an acute, sterile inflammation of the anterior segment. With appropriate treatment it may either resolve without consequences or it may result in secondary glaucoma or corneal decomposition requiring a corneal graft. TASS is becoming more of a problem lately due to better recognition as well as due to an increased incidence of the syndrome. The occurrence of TASS cannot be eliminated completely, but we can decrease its frequency if we stick firmly to certain regulations. Adoption and implementation of best practices for cleaning and sterilization of surgical instruments, and a traceability system for surgical instruments as well as for all intraocular fluids used during the surgery, can decrease the occurrence of TASS and improve the probability of finding its cause.