Infectious endophthalmitis after cataract surgery

Prophylactic Intracameral Antibiotics and Endophthalmitis After Cataract Surgery

Importance

Although the effectiveness of intracameral antibiotics to prevent postoperative endophthalmitis is described, selective use of antibiotics combined with 1% povidone iodine disinfection might be equally effective and could lead to cost reduction and avoidance of unnecessary use of antibiotics.

Objective

To compare the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis when 1% povidone iodine disinfection is applied in combination with selective intracameral antibiotics with the incidence after routine use of intracameral antibiotics in combination with 5% povidone iodine.

Design, Setting, and Participant

This was a retrospective cohort study using incidence data from the ongoing endophthalmitis register of the Rotterdam Eye Hospital, a specialized hospital providing both secondary and tertiary ophthalmological care, when intracameral antibiotics were used only during cataract procedures with occurrence of a posterior capsular tear in comparison with results from cohorts described in the literature where routine antibiotics were used. All patients who had cataract (phacoemulsification) surgery at the Rotterdam Eye Hospital between 1993 and 2022 were included. No cataract surgical procedures combined with other intraocular procedures were included.

Exposure

Povidone iodine disinfection and intracameral antibiotics during cataract surgery either routinely or only in case of posterior capsular tears.

Main Outcome and Measure

Postoperative endophthalmitis incidence.

Results

Postoperative endophthalmitis incidence after 56 598 cataract (phacoemulsification) surgical procedures in the Rotterdam Eye Hospital between 2016 and 2022 was 0.000 (95% CI, 0.000-0.000). A PubMed literature search until September 2023 with respect to the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis after routine antibiotic prophylaxis yielded 37 publications with an overall postoperative endophthalmitis incidence of 0.000 (95% CI, 0.000-0.000).

Conclusions and Relevance

No difference was observed between the postoperative endophthalmitis incidence during the last 7 years in the Rotterdam Eye Hospital and the overall postoperative endophthalmitis incidence after routine intracameral antibiotics prophylaxis as described in the literature. Disinfection with 1% povidone iodine in combination with selective antibiotic prophylaxis may be equally effective as routine antibiotic use and 5% povidone iodine.

A cluster of nontuberculous mycobacterial endophthalmitis (NTME) cases after cataract surgery: clinical features and treatment outcomes

PURPOSE

To report the clinical features and treatment outcomes in a cluster of patients with endophthalmitis after cataract surgery caused by nontuberculous mycobacterium.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective chart review and noncomparative, consecutive case series. Nine consecutive cases of endophthalmitis, after cataract surgery in a local clinic, were referred to our hospital. The treatment outcomes and analysis of risk factors for infection are reported.

RESULTS

The major symptoms at presentation were pain, redness, and decreased vision. Best-corrected visual acuity at presentation ranged from hand motion in two cases (22%), counting fingers at 30 cm in three cases (33%), 20/100 in two cases (20%), 20/63 in one case (11%), to 20/50 in one (11%) case. The mean duration between cataract surgery to presentation at our hospital was 16.7 days. Prompt intravitreal injections (IVI) of amikacin (0.4 mg/0.1 mL) and vancomycin (1 mg/0.1 mL), with topical moxifloxacin were administered initially. Pars plana vitrectomy with amikacin (10 mg/L) and vancomycin (20 mg/L) intravitreal irrigation, and intraocular lens removal were performed for all patients. Systemic antibiotics including amikacin and tigecycline were prescribed for 10 days, and clarithromycin was prescribed for at least 3 months. In all the nine cases, the culture results from either aqueous tapping or vitrectomy sample were positive for nontuberculous Mycobacterium: Mycobacterium abscessus/chelonae, which was compatible with iatrogenic clustered infection. At the last follow-up, three cases (33.3%) had best-corrected visual acuity of counting fingers at 30 cm, while the other six cases had no light perception. Two cases (22%) were enucleated and one case (11%) had phthisis bulbi.

CONCLUSION

Nontuberculous mycobacterium endophthalmitis (NTME) often induces chronic recurrent or persistent intraocular inflammation. Very poor outcomes despite aggressive antibiotic treatment and repeated surgical interventions are suggestive of the virulent nature of the organisms. Autoclave sterilization and perioperative disinfection may help in reducing iatrogenic clustered infection.

The Effect of Intraoperative Antibiotics in Irrigating Solutions on Aqueous Humor Contamination and Endophthalmitis after Phacoemulsification Surgery

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy of intraoperative antibiotic use in irrigating solutions on aqueous humor contamination during phacoemulsification surgery and to evaluate the corresponding risk of postoperative endophthalmitis.

METHODS

644 eyes of 640 patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery with foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were included in this study. Preoperative conjunctival smears were taken and eyes were allocated to receive irrigating infusion fluid containing either balanced salt solution (BSS)-only (group 1; 322 eyes) or BSS with antibiotics (vancomycin and gentamycin) during surgery (group 2; 322 eyes). Bacterial contamination rates of aqueous humor samples taken in the beginning and at the end of operation were compared. Predictive factors for the development of postoperative endophthalmitis were determined by clinical and microbiologic analyses.

RESULTS

The rates of culture-positivity were similar between group 1 and group 2 for both preoperative conjunctival smears and aqueous samples (p > 0.05). Aqueous samples taken at the end of operation were found to be contaminated in 68 (21.1%) eyes in group 1 and 22 (6.8%) eyes in group 2, and the difference was significant (p = 0.0001; OR = 3.65 (2.1-6.0)). Capsular rupture was associated with higher rate of contamination in both groups (p = 0.0001; OR = 7.7 and p = 0.0001; OR = 8.1). Two eyes in the BSS-only group developed postoperative endophthalmitis and these cases had posterior capsular rupture during the surgery and culture-positivity for staphylococcus epidermidis throughout the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative antibiotic irrigation decreases aqueous humor contamination during phacoemulsification. Further studies are warranted to determine the interrelationship between aqueous humor contamination and endophthalmitis in eyes with posterior capsular rupture.

First Day Review after Uncomplicated Phacoemulsification: Is it Necessary?

PURPOSE

To determine whether first day follow-up is necessary after routine uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

METHODS

Data collected prospectively at day 1 postoperative review.

RESULTS

In 510 consecutive cases, serious complications occurred in 8 (1.6%) (wound leak [4], corneal abrasion [2], iris prolapse [1], hyphema [1]). Intraocular pressure (IOP) >30 mmHg was found in 26 (5.1%) and was strongly associated with a diagnosis of pre-existing glaucoma or ocular hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 7.7). Symptoms of headache or ocular discomfort occurred in 40 (7.8%), mostly in association with raised IOP, and were also associated with pre-existing glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OR 4.7). Central corneal edema was found in 61 (12.0%). In the absence of corneal edema, IOP was >30 mmHg in only two cases (0.39%).

CONCLUSIONS

Few sight-threatening complications were detected on the morning after an uncomplicated procedure. First day follow-up may be safely omitted if adequate patient counseling is undertaken and there is provision of adequate access to eye services. Review prior to discharge on the day of surgery would provide an opportunity to detect these few surgical complications and for counseling. A diagnosis of glaucoma or ocular hypertension is a risk factor for significantly raised next day IOP and these patients are more likely to experience postoperative discomfort. They may benefit from prophylactic treatment.

Temporal retinal transcriptome and systems biology analysis identifies key pathways and hub genes in Staphylococcus aureus endophthalmitis

Bacterial endophthalmitis remains a devastating inflammatory condition associated with permanent vision loss. Hence, assessing the host response in this disease may provide new targets for intervention. Using a mouse model of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) endophthalmitis and performing retinal transcriptome analysis, we discovered progressive changes in the expression of 1,234 genes. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway analyses revealed the major pathways impacted in endophthalmitis includes: metabolism, inflammatory/immune, antimicrobial, cell trafficking, and lipid biosynthesis. Among the immune/inflammation pathways, JAK/Stat and IL-17A signaling were the most significantly affected. Interactive network-based analyses identified 13 focus hub genes (IL-6, IL-1β, CXCL2, STAT3, NUPR1, Jun, CSF1, CYR61, CEBPB, IGF-1, EGFR1, SPP1, and TGM2) within these important pathways. The expression of hub genes confirmed by qRT-PCR, ELISA (IL-6, IL-1β, and CXCL2), and Western blot or immunostaining (CEBP, STAT3, NUPR1, and IGF1) showed strong correlation with transcriptome data. Since TLR2 plays an important role in SA endophthalmitis, counter regulation analysis of TLR2 ligand pretreated retina or the use of retinas from TLR2 knockout mice showed the down-regulation of inflammatory regulatory genes. Collectively, our study provides, for the first time, a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptomic response and identifies key pathways regulating retinal innate responses in staphylococcal endophthalmitis.

Endophthalmitis following pars plana vitrectomy: a literature review of incidence, causative organisms, and treatment outcomes

Endophthalmitis following pars plana vitrectomy is a very uncommon cause of endophthalmitis. Cases reported over the last decade show a decrease in incidence over time. To optimize visual outcome, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. In this review we report a summary of the incidence of endophthalmitis following vitrectomy, various risk factors for their occurrence, the microbiological profile and the visual outcomes post treatment.

Candida pelliculosa endophthalmitis after cataract surgery: a case report

Background

Here we report the first case of postoperative endophthalmitis due to Candida pelliculosa after cataract surgery. We describe the clinical management of this type of candida infection in the eye.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old Turk man was seen at our clinic at the end of the first postoperative month after cataract surgery. He presented with eye redness, pain and decreased visual acuity. His ophthalmologic examination revealed moderate tyndall and a mild flare in the anterior chamber. Hypopyon in the capsular bag posterior to the intraocular lens was seen in the second postoperative month. Despite topical and subconjunctival bacterial endophthalmitis treatment, there was no improvement in the clinical situation. Candida pelliculosa was isolated from a sample culture obtained from the anterior chamber. Oral fluconazole could not be administered because of increased liver enzyme levels and intravenous amphotericin B could not be administered because of an allergic reaction. Intraocular lens explantation, pars plana vitrectomy and anterior chamber lavage by rupturing the posterior wall of the microabscesses were performed. Intravitreal and intracameral amphotericin B injections were given four times in addition to surgical interventions. The patient has been followed for 2 years and his best-corrected visual acuity was 0.4 at the last visit.

Conclusion

Nearly 1 month after cataract surgery, a patient presented with eye redness and blurred vision, with corneal endothelial deposits, hypopyon in the capsular bag and microabscesses on the incision sites and corneal endothelium. Candida pelliculosa should be considered in patients showing these symptoms. Multiple intraocular amphotericin B (5 μg) administrations can be used safely even in cases with high sensitivity to systemic use. Rupturing the posterior wall of the abscesses on the corneal endothelium surgically with intraocular lens explantation and pars plana vitrectomy are recommended.

Suspected bacterial endophthalmitis following intravitreal anti-VEGF injection: case series and literature review

AIM

To report an up-to-date overview of all patients reported in the literature with suspected bacterial endophthalmitis following anti-VEGF injection. Secondly, to identify specific symptoms and signs to differentiate between infectious and noninfectious endophthalmitis.

METHODS

A Pubmed search retrieved 12 retrospective case series which had included a total of 118 patients with suspected bacterial endophthalmitis after anti-VEGF injection. Data of 15 patients from the Rotterdam Eye Hospital were added. Patients were divided into three groups: those who did not receive intravitreal antibiotics (group A), patients who received intravitreal antibiotics with biopsy-negative cultures (group B) and those with biopsy-positive cultures (group C).

RESULTS

The median time between anti-VEGF injection and presentation with suspected bacterial endophthalmitis was 1 day in group A compared to 3 days in groups B and C. At presentation, patients of group A had a better median visual acuity (logMAR 1.0) compared to those in groups B and C (logMAR 2.1 and 2.5, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that patients presenting with a visual acuity of 20/200 (logMAR 1.0) or less and later than 24 h after injection are more likely to have bacterial endophthalmitis. To prevent undertreatment in these patients, the threshold to proceed to vitreous biopsy and empirical intravitreous antibiotics should be low.

[Chronic postoperative endophthalmitis]

Chronic postoperative endophthalmitis designates delayed-onset postoperative endophthalmitis appearing more than two weeks after surgery, revealed by chronic intraocular inflammation with phases of inflammatory recurrence, which, at the beginning of the disease course, is partially sensitive to local corticosteroid treatment. It differs therefore from acute endophthalmitis in the immediate postoperative phase, from acute differed endophthalmitis after filtrating surgery, which appears years after the surgery, and from endogenous endophthalmitis. The most frequent presentation is granulomatous uveitis, often hypertonic, in an eye operated for cataract, presenting phases of recurrence sensitive to corticosteroid therapy but which recurs as soon as treatment is interrupted. Whitish condensations in plaques on the posterior capsule suggest the diagnosis and over several months the vitreous becomes inflamed. Ocular samples allow cytological analysis of an infectious process and bacteriological analysis in culture and with PCR. Treatment includes lavage of the sac with vancomycin and can be associated with posterior capsulectomy and intravitreal injections of antibiotics possibly associated with systemic antibiotic therapy. Treatment is prolonged because of the slow replication of the microorganisms involved. In approximately one-third of cases, the implant, the capsule, and the sac must be removed over 360° to permanently halt the intraocular infection. The diagnosis and specific treatment should be as early as possible since the aggressiveness of the treatment required is correlated with the time to management of the infection.

Fungal endophthalmitis: fourteen years' experience from a center in India

BACKGROUND

As fungal endophthalmitis is an emerging challenge, the study was carried out to determine the prevalence and the spectrum of fungal agents causing endophthalmitis from a single center, to identify the risk factors, and to correlate clinical course of illness with the agents involved.

METHODS

The microbiological and clinical records of all fungal endophthalmitis diagnosed during January 1992 through December 2005 at a tertiary center in India were reviewed retrospectively. During this period, treatment protocol of the patients with fungal endophthalmitis was pars plana vitrectomy, instillation of intravitreal amphotericin B (5 microg) and dexamethasone (400 microg). Additionally, oral fluconazole (27 patients) or itraconazole (78 patients) was given in 105 patients.

RESULTS

Fungal endophthalmitis was diagnosed in 113 patients and they were categorized into: postcataract surgery (53 patients), posttrauma (48), and endogenous (12) groups. Aspergillus species was the most common (54.4%) agent isolated, followed by yeasts (24.6%), and melanized fungi (10.5%). Among Aspergilli, Aspergillus flavus was the most common (24.6%) species whereas Candida tropicalis (8.8%) was in the yeast. Other rare agents isolated include Fonsecaea pedrosoi, Fusarium solani, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Pseudallescheria boydii, Colletotrichum dematium, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Trichosporon cutaneum. Visual acuity after therapy remained <20/400 in 77.4%, 64.3%, 50.0%, and 16.7% patients infected with Aspergillus species, yeasts, melanized fungi and other mycelial fungi, respectively. The outcome was unfavorable in 52.8%, 66.7%, and 33.3% patients with postoperative, posttrauma, and endogenous groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the largest series of fungal endophthalmitis from a single center and highlights the fact that a vast array of fungi can cause endophthalmitis though Aspergilli are the common agents. The combination of pars plana vitrectomy and intravitreal amphotericin B with or without fluconazole/itraconazole was the common mode of therapy in such patients. However, the main challenge is suspecting fungal etiology at the time of presentation and accurately diagnosing those patients.

Retracted: Epidemiological evaluation of intraoperative antibiosis as a protective agent against endophthalmitis after cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate risk factors for endophthalmitis after cataract surgery and to retest recent findings on the protective effect of intraoperative antibiosis and the promoting effect of the clear corneal as compared to sclerocorneal incision.

DESIGN

Survey study.

PARTICIPANTS

Five hundred thirty-eight ophthalmosurgical centers in Germany.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Responder specific endophthalmitis incidence.

RESULTS

A total of 310 (58%) questionnaires were computed resulting in an overall count of 404 356 cataract surgeries and 291 self-reported endophthalmitis cases (crude rate 0.072%). The risk of postoperative endophthalmitis for sclerocorneal versus clear corneal incisions was not significantly reduced (relative risk 0.97, 99% confidence interval 0.69-1.38). The hypothesis of a protective effect of intraocular antibiosis could be confirmed by a significantly decreased risk ratio of 0.69 (99% confidence interval 0.48-0.99) indicating a significant benefit from intraoperative intraocular antibiosis. A similar tendency was observed for an intraoperative periocular antibiosis with a significantly reduced risk ratio of 0.68 (99% confidence interval 0.49-0.96). These risk estimates had been adjusted for the size of the surgical center: a significantly reduced risk ratio of 0.70 (99% confidence interval 0.49-0.98) for postoperative endophthalmitis was observed for local centers.

CONCLUSIONS

Whereas this 2001 appraisal of a survey in 1996 could not reproduce the benefit of sclerocorneal incision, the protective effect of intraoperative intraocular antibiotic prophylaxis could be confirmed. However, the results of this survey have to be interpreted with care, since it is not based on individual case information, but rather on aggregate questionnaire data.

Nosocomial postoperative endophthalmitis: a 14-year review

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence, predisposing surgery, management and final visual outcome of postoperative endophthalmitis over a 14-year period at one institute.

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed all intraocular operations performed between 1 January 1991 and 31 August 2004 at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center, to determine the incidence of nosocomial postoperative endophthalmitis and the characteristics of patients who developed this condition.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis after intraocular surgery was 0.19% (56 out of 30,219). Postoperative endophthalmitis developed in 56 eyes in 56 patients during the study period. The condition developed after cataract surgery in 46 eyes, after penetrating keratoplasty in 6 eyes, after filtering surgery in 2 eyes, after secondary intraocular lens implant in 1 eye, and after vitrectomy in 1 eye. Postoperative endophthalmitis was culture-positive in 31 cases (55%). The most frequent organism isolated was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Factors associated with better visual acuity outcomes included low virulence of isolated pathogen, initial visual acuity of counting fingers or better, and history of cataract surgery compared with other intraocular surgery.

CONCLUSION

The overall incidence of endophthalmitis after intraocular surgery was 0.19%. The results of this 14-year review from a local medical center may serve as a source of comparison for other centers and future studies.

Comparison of topical tobramycin—dexamethasone with dexamethasone—neomycin—polymyxin and neomycin—polymyxin—gramicidin for control of inflammation after cataract surgery: Results of a multicenter, prospective, three-arm, randomized, double-masked, controlled, parallel-group study

BACKGROUND

Intraocular inflammation is typically treated with a combination of anti-inflammatory and anti-infective drugs. Tobramycin-dexamethasone (TD) has not been associated with any serious adverse events, indicating good tolerability.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were the following: (1) to demonstrate noninferiority of TD compared with dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin (DNP) in terms of anti-inflammatory efficacy, (2) to compare the anti-inflammatory efficacy of TD and DNP with that of a "placebo" control (antibiotic without anti-inflammatory agent), and (3) to provide additional safety data on TD.

METHODS

This prospective, double-masked, parallel-group study was conducted at 22 ophthalmology clinics across Europe and Brazil. Patients aged > 18 years undergoing cataract surgery were randomly assigned, in a 2:2:1 ratio, to receive tobramycin 3 mg/mL plus dexamethasone 1 mg/mL, dexamethasone 1 mg/mL plus neomycin sulfate 3500 IU/mL plus polymyxin B sulfate 6000 IU/mL, or neomycin sulfate 3500 IU/mL plus polymyxin B sulfate 7500 IU/mL plus gramicidin 20 microg/mL. All treatments were given as 1 drop instilled in the operated eye q.i.d. for 21 days. The primary efficacy end point, intraocular inflammation (determined using the sum of scores on anterior chamber cells and aqueous flare), was assessed at days 3, 8, 14, and 21 after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 271 patients were enrolled (158 women, 113 men; age range 42-90 years) (TD, 104 patients; DNP, 110 patients; and neomycin-polymyxin-gramicidin [NPG], 57 patients). Intraocular inflammation was similar in the TD and DNP groups at all time points. At days 8, 14, and 21, inflammation scores were significantly lower with TD than with NPG (all, P < 0.05). At day 8, the inflammation score was significantly lower with DNP than with NPG (P < 0.05). A greater number of patients receiving NPG experienced treatment-related ocular allergic reactions compared with patients receiving TD (P < 0.05). One patient receiving TD (1.0%) and 5 given NPG (9.0%) were withdrawn due to ocular allergic reactions. None of the patients experienced an increase in intraocular pressure > or =10 mm Hg from baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of patients undergoing cataract surgery combination therapy with TD was noninferior to DNP and was well tolerated.

Surveillance of endophthalmitis following cataract surgery in the UK

AIMS

To estimate the incidence of acute-onset presumed infectious endophthalmitis (PIE) following cataract surgery in the UK and provide epidemiological data on the presentation, management, microbiology, and outcome of cases of endophthalmitis.

METHODS

Cases were identified prospectively by active surveillance through the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit reporting card system, for the 12-month period October 1999 to September 2000 inclusive. Questionnaire data were obtained from ophthalmologists throughout the UK at baseline and 6 months after diagnosis. Under-reporting was estimated by independently contacting units with infection databases.

RESULTS

Data were available on 213 patients at baseline and 201 patients at follow-up. The minimum estimated incidence of PIE was 0.086 per 100 cataract extractions and the corrected incidence was 0.14 per 100 cataract extractions. For the management of PIE, 96% of patients received intravitreal, 30% subconjunctival, 65% oral, and 17% intravenous antibiotics. In all, 17% of patients received intravitreal steroid. From the intraocular samples taken for microbiological analysis, 56% were culture positive. At follow-up, 48% of patients achieved visual acuity of 6/12 or better and 66% achieved better than 6/60. 13% of patients were unable to perceive light or had evisceration of the globe.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of PIE after cataract surgery in the UK is comparable to that of other studies. Approximately 50% of patients achieved a visual acuity close to the driving standard.

Simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate patient satisfaction and functional visual outcome, safety, and visual and refractive outcomes of simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery (SBCS).

SETTING

North Karelia Central Hospital, Joensuu, Finland.

METHODS

A retrospective external review of 200 patients drawn randomly from 637 patients who underwent SBCS at the North Karelia Central Hospital in 2001 was performed. Of the 200 eligible patients, 141 who returned a completed questionnaire on patient satisfaction and functional visual outcome of SBCS were enrolled. Postoperative refraction and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were available in 148 eyes of 74 patients.

RESULTS

The surgery was carried out under topical anesthesia, and 98% were outpatient surgeries. No serious intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Of the 141 patients, 96% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91-98) experienced SBCS as positive or quite positive, 89% (95% CI: 83-94) felt safe to go home after the surgery, and 91% (95% CI: 85-95) would recommend SBCS to their relatives or friends. The mean visual functioning index (VF-7 score) was 87.3 (median 95). Postoperative BCVA was 20/40 or better in 84% (95% CI: 77-89) and 20/25 or better in 66% (95% CI: 57-73) of the 148 eyes examined. The postoperative refraction was +/-0.75 diopter (D) of the target value in 78% (95% CI: 71-85) and +/-1.5 D in 95% (95% CI: 91-98), and the mean anisometropia was 0.26 D (SD 0.6 D, range 0-1.65).

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that SBCS by experienced surgeons is likely to be a safe and efficient procedure and is positively received by patients.

Risk factors of acute endophthalmitis after cataract extraction: a case-control study in Asian eyes

AIM

To describe risk factors of acute endophthalmitis after cataract extraction in an Asian population.

METHODS

A retrospective, case-control study. Cases (n = 34) were patients with acute endophthalmitis presenting within 6 weeks after cataract surgery. Three controls per case (n = 102) were randomly selected from the cataract surgery list matched on the date of operation of cases.

RESULTS

Few risk factors were identified. In multivariable analysis, endophthalmitis was associated with silicone intraocular lens (odds ratio 5.1, 95% confidence intervals, 1.2 to 21.6, compared to poly(methylmethacrylate) lens) and posterior capsular rupture during surgery (odds ratio 20.9, 95% confidence intervals 2.3 to 187.9).

CONCLUSION

Silicone intraocular lens and rupture of the posterior capsule are risk factors of acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.

Prophylactic Effectiveness of Tobramycin-Dexamethasone Eye Drops Compared with Tobramycin/Vehicle Eye Drops in Controlling Post-Surgical Inflammation in Cataract Patients

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the superiority of TobraDex((R)) (tobramycin 3 mg/mL, dexamethasone 1 mg/mL) eye drops over Tobrex((R)) (tobramycin 3 mg/mL)/vehicle (placebo) eye drops in the prophylaxis of inflammation after cataract surgery, and to provide additional safety data on TobraDex((R)).

SETTING

Twenty-two ophthalmology clinics from Brazil, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospective, randomised, double-masked, two-arm, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, multicentre study in 417 patients undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation. Patients were randomised (1 : 1) to TobraDex((R)) or to Tobrex((R))/vehicle. One drop of TobraDex((R)) or Tobrex((R)) was instilled in the operative eye (four times daily) on the day before surgery (day -1), one drop immediately following surgery in the operated eye (day 0), and then treatment (four times daily) was continued until day 7 (inclusive). From day 8 through day 21, patients in the TobraDex((R)) group continued with the same treatment, but patients in the Tobrex((R))/vehicle arm received the inactive ingredient only. Efficacy was assessed at 1, 3, 8, 14 and 21 days. The primary efficacy variable was the percentage of patients without post-surgical anterior chamber inflammation (i.e. with a sum of cells and flare scores of zero) on the day 8 visit.

RESULTS

TobraDex((R)) was significantly better (p < 0.05) than Tobrex((R))/vehicle in controlling post-surgical inflammation at day 8 as shown by the percentage of patients with an inflammation score of zero (51% vs 21%, respectively). The percentage of patients with treatment failure was 4% vs 16% (p < 0.001) in favour of TobraDex((R)). In the safety population (n = 415), 19% of patients reported a total of 52 adverse events while receiving TobraDex((R)) and 35.3% patients reported 103 adverse events while receiving Tobrex((R))/vehicle. One patient receiving Tobrex((R))/vehicle discontinued the study due to an ocular allergic reaction. No patient experienced clinically relevant changes in visual acuity, fundus parameters, cup/disc ratio or intraocular pressure related to treatment following the day of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

TobraDex((R)) eye drops were superior to Tobrex((R))/vehicle in controlling post-surgical inflammation following cataract extraction. TobraDex((R)) administered four times daily over 21 days post-surgery was safe and well tolerated in patients treated for the prevention of post-surgical inflammation following cataract extraction.

Trends in cataract surgery and postoperative endophthalmitis in Western Australia (1980-1998): the Endophthalmitis Population Study of Western Australia

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative endophthalmitis results from an intraocular infection and usually occurs following cataract surgery. It has significant morbidity and causes severe visual impairment or blindness of the eye. The aim of this study was to assess the trends in the incidence rates of cataract surgery and postoperative endophthalmitis in Western Australia for the period 1980-1998.

METHODS

The Western Australian Record Linkage Project was used to link the morbidity records for all patients treated for cataract surgery in Western Australia in 1980-1998. Patient records were selected using the international classification for diagnosis and procedure codes pertaining to cataract surgery and postoperative endophthalmitis. All cases of postoperative endophthalmitis were validated by case-note review. The separate databases of the Royal Perth Hospital microbiology and anaesthetic departments as well as the vitreo-retinal surgeon logbooks were used to cross-validate the hospital morbidity database. Trends in the incidence rates of cataract surgery and postoperative endophthalmitis were assessed by Poisson regression.

RESULTS

There were 94,653 cataract procedures performed for 63,007 patients in Western Australia during the 19-year period. The majority (88%) of cataract procedures performed were in patients aged 60 years or older. Postoperative endophthalmitis developed in 188 patients, with serious visual impairment occurring in 70.6% of patients for whom visual acuity data was available at presentation. The incidence rate of cataract surgery increased more than three-fold from 1981 (102 per 100,000 person years) to 1998 (345 per 100,000 person years), mainly due to the increase in extracapsular cataract extraction during the 1980s and phacoemulsification extraction from 1990 onwards. In contrast, the average annual incidence rate of postoperative endophthalmitis remained relatively unchanged at around 2 per 1000 cataract procedures over the same period.

CONCLUSION

Cataract surgery is becoming more prevalent in the elderly as the life expectancy of the population increases. There has been a dramatic shift in surgical practice during the last 30 years with small-incision phacoemulsification being the predominant method of intervention used since 1990. Despite changes in surgical practice the incidence rate of postoperative endophthalmitis has remained the same.

Postoperative Morganella morganii endophthalmitis associated with subclinical urinary tract infection

We report a case of Morganella morganii acute endophthalmitis following clear corneal phacoemulsification cataract surgery in which a coincident asymptomatic chronic urinary tract infection was detected postoperatively. Morganella morganii is a gram-negative bacillus that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract and is part of the normal fecal flora. It is an opportunistic pathogen usually encountered in postoperative and nosocomial settings, causing urinary tract and wound infections. Chronic urinary tract infection may be a risk factor for postoperative endophthalmitis. A dipstick urinalysis before elective cataract surgery in elderly patients with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections may be considered.

Occlusive scrub suits in operating theaters during cataract surgery: effect on airborne contamination

The effect of wearing occlusive scrub suits on bacterial contamination of air was studied during cataract operations. All personnel regularly wore cotton scrub suits. During the intervention period, all wore occlusive scrub suits, which, compared with cotton scrub suits, were associated with more than a 50% reduction in the load of airborne bacteria during operations.

Revisiting early postoperative follow-up after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE

To determine whether postoperative evaluation of routine phacoemulsification can be safely and effectively performed on the day of surgery and 4 days postoperatively and evaluate the incidence and management of early intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations 3 to 7 hours postoperatively in patients with or without glaucoma.

SETTING

Community-based hospital.

METHODS

This retrospective series comprised 465 consecutive patients who had phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. All patients had postoperative follow-up on the day of surgery (3 to 7 hours postoperatively) and at 4 days. Patients were classified into 2 groups: nonglaucoma (NG), 396 patients; and glaucoma (GL), 69 patients. The main outcome measures were the incidence and management of postoperative complications including IOP spikes, wound leaks, uveitis, and endophthalmitis.

RESULTS

Three to 7 hours postoperatively, 73 NG (18.4%) and 32 GL (46.4%) patients had IOP elevations greater than 28 mm Hg, a significant change from baseline (P <.0001). Fourteen NG (3.6%) and 13 GL (18.8%) patients had IOP elevations greater than 40 mm Hg (P <.0001). Significant IOP elevations were effectively managed with a paracentesis with or without short-term antiglaucoma medications on the day of surgery, with 75 NG (18.9%) and 39 GL (56.5%) patients requiring IOP intervention. There were no IOP elevations greater than 21 mm Hg on the next day or at 4 days. There were no complications that were missed at the same-day evaluation that may have been identified at the 1-day postoperative visit.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that after routine phacoemulsification, patients can be safely and effectively reviewed on the day of surgery and 4 days postoperatively to identify and manage early postoperative IOP spikes. A significant number of patients, particularly those with preexisting glaucoma, had potentially harmful IOP spikes 3 to 7 hours postoperatively.

Simultaneous bilateral cataract extraction

PURPOSE

To assess the visual outcome and safety of simultaneous bilateral cataract extraction.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Hospital, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, United Kingdom.

METHODS

Simultaneous bilateral cataract extraction was performed in 288 eyes of 144 patients over 10 years in a single department in selected cases. Case notes were retrospectively analyzed for final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraoperative and postoperative complication rates.

RESULTS

The final BCVA was 6/9 or better in 87.0% of eyes. The incidence of intraoperative complications was 2.42%. These included posterior capsule rupture without vitreous loss (0.69%) and with vitreous loss (1.04%). Postoperative complications occurred in 10.05% of eyes and included raised intraocular pressure (IOP) (3.82%), iris prolapse (0.69%), uveitis (0.69%), and suture abscess (0.35%). There were no major bilateral complications such as endophthalmitis or corneal decompensation.

CONCLUSION

The outcome of simultaneous bilateral cataract extraction was comparable to that of single-eye cataract surgery, indicating that the procedure is safe under strict surgical protocol and beneficial in selected cases.

Rapid detection and identification of Candida, Aspergillus, and Fusarium species in ocular samples using nested PCR

A protocol for the rapid detection of fungal DNA in ocular samples, derived from three species, Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Fusarium solani, has been developed. Two novel panfungal primers complementary to 18S rRNA sequences present in all three species were designed. Panfungal PCR was followed by three nested PCRs utilizing species-specific primers. PCR sensitivity ranged from 50 to 100 fg of free DNA and between one and two C. albicans organisms. In addition, we also developed a rapid and reliable DNA extraction protocol. This protocol minimized DNA loss during extraction, whilst removing compounds from vitreous and aqueous fluids that have previously been shown to have inhibitory effects on PCR. Preliminary results obtained after testing the protocol on three patient samples support culture results and medical history. However, one patient was PCR positive but culture negative, suggesting that the sensitivity of this protocol may exceed that of traditional culture techniques. This system, therefore, constitutes an additional protocol that may significantly aid patient management in cases where fungal endophthalmitis is suspected.

Detection of and discrimination between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in intraocular samples by using nested PCR

A nested PCR protocol has been developed for the detection of and discrimination between 14 species of gram-positive and -negative bacteria in samples of ocular fluids. First-round PCR with pan-bacterial oligonucleotide primers, based on conserved sequences of the 16S ribosomal gene, was followed by a gram-negative-organism-specific PCR, which resulted in a single 985-bp amplification product, and a multiplex PCR which resulted in two PCR products: a 1,025 bp amplicon (all bacteria) and a 355 bp amplicon (gram-positive bacteria only). All products were detected by gel electrophoresis. The sensitivity of the assay was between 10 fg and 1 pg of bacterial DNA, depending on the species tested, equivalent to between 24 and 4 live bacteria spiked in water. The identification was complete in 3.5 h. The molecular techniques were subsequently applied to four samples of intraocular fluid, (three vitreous and one aqueous) from three patients with clinical signs of bacterial endophthalmitis (test samples) and two samples of vitreous from a patient with chronic intraocular inflammation (control samples). In all culture-positive samples (two of three vitreous and one of one aqueous), a complete concordance was observed between molecular methods and culture results. PCR correctly identified the gram stain classification of the organisms. The bacterial etiology was also identified in a culture-negative patient with clinical history and signs highly suggestive of bacterial endophthalmitis. Furthermore, control samples from a patient with chronic intraocular inflammation remained PCR negative. In summary, this protocol has demonstrated potential as a rapid diagnostic test in confirming the diagnosis of infection and also determining the Gram status of bacteria with high specificity and sensitivity.

Endophthalmitis in cataract surgery: results of a German survey

OBJECTIVE

To document perioperative prophylactic treatment and to evaluate the risk factors for endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study via anonymous survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred sixty-nine centers in Germany were queried.

RESULTS

A total of 311 (67%) questionnaires were received, with each center reporting an average of 900 cataract surgeries per year (total, 340,633 surgeries in 1996). Respondents reported a total of 267 cases of endophthalmitis, which resulted in a mean responder-specific endophthalmitis rate of 0.148% versus a median rate of 0%. Statistical analysis via Poisson regression suggested that sclerocorneal incisions were associated with a reduced incidence of endophthalmitis (odds ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.51). Antibiotics used intraocularly (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.98) and the preoperative application of diluted povidone-iodine on the conjunctiva (odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.99) were associated with a reduced risk of postoperative infection. Immune deficiencies (66%), diabetes mellitus (62%), occlusion of the lacrimal system (40%), and skin diseases (33%) were regarded as risk factors for endophthalmitis by the respondents. When cataract surgery is performed solely under inpatient conditions, the use of systemic antibiotics as well as the periocular injection of antibiotics at the end of the operation were associated (although not significantly) with a trend toward reducing the incidence of postoperative infection. Conversely, flushing the lacrimal drainage system, using eye shields, and cutting the eyelashes had no demonstrable effect in preventing endophthalmitis. The use of preoperative topical antibiotics (odds ratio, 2.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-4.68) and the performance of more than 20% of the surgeries in an outpatient center (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-3.21) were associated with a detrimental effect on the development of endophthalmitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the appropriate antibiotic agent and dosage are not yet established, the administration of intracameral antibiotics and the application of povidone-iodine on the conjunctiva significantly reduced the relative risk of postoperative endophthalmitis in this survey. Because the study was not individual based but rather on aggregate questionnaire, the results have to be interpreted with care.

Complications of phacoemulsification on the first postoperative day: can follow-up be safely changed?

PURPOSE

To establish the rate of complications detected on the first postoperative day and therefore the need for evaluation on that day.

SETTING

Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon, England.

METHODS

Complications detected on the first day after phacoemulsification cataract surgery were retrospectively reviewed over 8 months. Ophthalmic nurse practitioners performed the 1 day postoperative examination and kept a log of patients seen, recording complications detected and whether referral to a physician was required. All patients had had routine phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation without anterior vitrectomy or trabeculectomy, as identified from the log book and cross-checked with operating theater records. Notes were reviewed if a complication or referral was recorded. Most cases were performed under local anesthesia as day cases using a temporal corneal approach. Sections were routinely left unsutured unless enlarged or closure was not satisfactory at the conclusion of surgery.

RESULTS

The review yielded 392 patients. Six (1.53%) had intraocular pressure (> or = 30 mm Hg) requiring treatment, 1 (0.26%) had painless iris prolapse, 11 (2.81%) had corneal abrasions, and 7 (1.78%) were given a more intensive steroid regime. No cases of fibrinous uveitis were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Potentially sight-threatening complications present on the first postoperative day, albeit infrequently. With our current practice and case mix, the need for this review persists. It is possible to reduce the demand on physician time by using appropriately trained nonmedical practitioners.

Prospective evaluation of external ocular microbial growth and aqueous humor contamination during cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To analyze the route of aqueous humor contamination leading to the development of postoperative endophthalmitis.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Helsinki, Finland.

METHODS

Forty-nine eyes of 49 patients (31 having phacoemulsification and 18 extracapsular cataract extraction [ECCE]) participated in the study. Four bacterial cultures were taken: preoperative conjunctival swab, lid margin culture, intraoperative lacrimal lake sample, and immediate postoperative anterior chamber fluid sample.

RESULTS

Preoperative lid margin cultures were positive in 59.2% of eyes, conjunctival cultures in 69.4%, and lacrimal lake cultures in 24.9%. Four aqueous humor samples (8.2%) showed bacterial growth in the anterior chamber aspirate: 3 in the phacoemulsification and 1 in the ECCE group. The bacteria isolated in this study, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes (2 positive isolates each) were sensitive to the preoperative topical antibiotics used. No aqueous humor sample or any from other locations showed gram-negative microbe growth. The most frequently recovered microbes in all samples collected from the 3 other sources were S epidermidis and other coagulase-negative staphylococcus species, followed by P acnes and other propionibacterium species. Staphylococcus aureus, and diptheroids.

CONCLUSION

The ocular surface significantly contributed to the transmission of microbes into the eye during cataract surgery. These microbes could not be eradicated by topical preoperative antibiotics. However, no patient developed postoperative endophthalmitis. Natural defense mechanisms appear to fend off a minor inoculum with these microbes of relatively low pathogenicity.

Intraocular lens implants and risk of endophthalmitis

AIM

To investigate the possible association between the use of three piece foldable silicone polypropylene (SPP) intraocular lenses (IOLs) and an increased risk of postoperative endophthalmitis.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of all cases of postoperative endophthalmitis following phacoemulsification surgery in a single unit over a 3 year period. The incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis in eyes with SPP IOLs was compared with the incidence in eyes with single piece polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) IOLs.

RESULTS

772 cataract extractions by phacoemulsification were performed. One (0.16%) of the 622 patients with PMMA IOLs developed endophthalmitis. Excluding one patient who had aplastic anaemia, five (3.33%) of 150 patients with SPP IOLs developed endophthalmitis. The relative risk for postoperative endophthalmitis associated with the use of the SPP IOL compared with the PMMA IOL was 20.1 (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

This study adds further evidence to the concept that SPP IOLs can be a significant risk factor in the development of postoperative endophthamitis.

Endophthalmitis

Endophthalmitis is an inflammatory reaction of intraocular fluids or tissues. Infectious endophthalmitis is one of the most serious complications of ophthalmic surgery. Occasionally, infectious endophthalmitis is the presenting feature of an underlying systemic infection. Successful management of infectious endophthalmitis depends on timely diagnosis and institution of appropriate therapy. Recognition of the different clinical settings in which endophthalmitis occurs and awareness of the highly variable presentation it may have facilitate timely diagnosis. Biopsy of intraocular fluid/tissue is the only method that permits reliable diagnosis and treatment. The different presenting clinical settings, a rational approach to diagnosis (i.e., when, what, and how to biopsy), and the treatment of infectious endophthalmitis are reviewed.

Corneal penetration of diclofenac from a fixed combination of diclofenac-gentamicin eyedrops

PURPOSE

To establish the corneal penetration of diclofenac in the presence of gentamicin in patients having cataract surgery.

SETTING

Kantonsspital Augenklinik, Aarau, and Hôpital Jules Gonin, Lausanne, Switzerland.

METHODS

Eligible patients having cataract surgery (39 women, 30 men) were treated with 4 drops of diclofenac 0.1%-gentamicin 0.3% (Voltamicin) instilled at 20 minute intervals. Paracentesis was performed 15, 30, or 60 minutes after the last instillation, and a sample of aqueous humor was collected for analysis of diclofenac by high-performance liquid chromatography. Blood samples of some patients were obtained before surgery for analysis.

RESULTS

Mean diclofenac levels (+/- SD) in the aqueous humor 15, 30, and 60 minutes after the last instillation were 72 +/- 84, 108 +/- 87, and 201 +/- 116 ng/mL (= 682 nMol/L), respectively. Diclofenac remained below the limit of detection (5 ng/mL) in all samples of blood serum. In general, local tolerance was good; no side effects were reported. Comparison of the data with published results of topically instilled diclofenac 0.1% suggests that the concentration of diclofenac in the aqueous humor achieved with 4 instillations of the combination product is similar to that achieved with 8 instillations of diclofenac 0.1% (Voltaren Ophtha) alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Drug levels of diclofenac in the aqueous humor well above IC-50 for cyclo-oxygenase were achieved with the regimen applied. No inhibitory effect by the gentamicin or vehicle was observed. Comparison of these data with published results of Voltaren Ophtha implies a 2-fold better penetration of diclofenac with the diclofenac-gentamicin combination.

Heparinised intraocular infusion and bacterial contamination in cataract surgery

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Heparin in solution reduces bacterial adhesion to intraocular lenses and a lower incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis has been reported with the use of heparin coated lenses. The safety of adding low molecular weight heparin to the infusion fluid during routine cataract surgery was investigated. Any direct antibacterial effect was looked for by culturing anterior chamber fluid samples taken at the completion of surgery.

METHODS

A randomised, double blind, controlled study of 111 patients undergoing routine cataract surgery. Low molecular weight heparin at a concentration of 5 IU/ml was added to the infusion fluid in the trial patients. Samples from the anterior chamber taken at completion of surgery were cultured. Twenty nine samples of sterile infusion fluid were also cultured as further controls.

RESULTS

No complications were found in either group, and no difference in observed postoperative inflammation in each group. In the heparinised group (n = 55) bacterial contamination was found in 31% of samples, compared with 27% in the no heparin group (n = 56) (no significant difference).

CONCLUSIONS

There appears to be no direct antibacterial effect of heparin, and other possible mechanisms of action are discussed. Heparin avoids many of the drawbacks of traditional antibiotic prophylaxis and may have the potential to be a safe and effective addition to endophthalmitis prevention.

Assessment of a standard treatment protocol on visual outcome following presumed bacterial endophthalmitis

AIMS

The aim of this prospective study was, firstly, to judge the effect of early aggressive treatment with a standardised regimen of high dose broad spectrum intraocular and systemic antibiotics on visual outcome and, secondly, to assess the sensitivity of isolated organisms to the treatment regimen utilised.

METHODS

Thirty two consecutive patients presenting with presumed bacterial endophthalmitis were treated and completed follow up. In every case, intraocular sampling was undertaken and treatment with intraocular vancomycin, amikacin, and systemic ciprofloxacin was commenced immediately, followed by systemic steroids 1 day later.

RESULTS

In 69% of patients vision improved with 47% achieving a final visual acuity of 6/36 or better and 31% achieving 6/12 or better. Of the intraocular samples taken from post-surgical and post-traumatic cases, 10/27 (37%) and 3/5 (60%) were culture positive, respectively. All the bacteria isolated were sensitive to at least one of the three antibiotics used.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated that the combination of vancomycin, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin is adequate as a standard regimen for the treatment of most patients with suspected bacterial endophthalmitis. The prognosis for a good visual outcome, however, remains poor with 15/27 (55%) post-surgical and 2/5 (40%) post-traumatic cases achieving a final acuity of 6/60 or less.

Association between nonadministration of subconjunctival cefuroxime and postoperative endophthalmitis

PURPOSE

To determine whether not administering subconjunctival cefuroxime during cataract surgery is associated with postoperative endophthalmitis.

SETTING

Southampton Eye Unit, Southampton General Hospital, England.

METHODS

This retrospective, case-control study comprised nine patients who developed endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in a single ophthalmic unit over a 21 month period. Ten control patients for each case were randomly chosen from patients having cataract surgery within 1 week of the endophthalmitis case.

RESULTS

None of the nine endophthalmitis patients received peroperative subconjunctival cefuroxime compared with 43 of 90 control patients (47.8%) (P = 0.008). No other variables were found to be associated with development of endophthalmitis in this study.

CONCLUSION

Nonadministration of subconjunctival cefuroxime was associated with subsequent endophthalmitis. A further study to determine whether the observed association is causal is therefore warranted.

Conventional routine clinical review may not be necessary after uncomplicated phacoemulsification

AIM

To determine the clinical intervention rate during routine review after uncomplicated phacoemulsification.

METHODS

A review of case notes in 651 consecutive cases of uncomplicated phacoemulsification from 1994 (< or = 5.5 mm self sealing wound) was performed. The intervention rate at scheduled routine review visits and at unscheduled visits to the eye casualty service in the first 120 postoperative days was recorded. Interventions were defined as departures from predetermined postoperative care protocols.

RESULTS

Clinical interventions were reported in 2.8% (95% confidence interval 1.5 to 4.1%) of (n = 1652) routine follow up visits. Many of these interventions were avoidable or trivial; 90% of patients had no postoperative intervention at any visit. 7.3% of patients made unscheduled visits to the emergency service. The intervention rate in this group was 50% (35.9 to 64.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention rate in routine clinical review after uncomplicated modern cataract surgery is low. Alternatives to conventional postoperative review, including shared care with non-ophthalmologists and improved perioperative patient education with an open channel for self referral, should be evaluated.

Endophthalmitis associated with microbial keratitis

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to investigate possible risk factors, organisms cultured, and visual acuity outcomes of endophthalmitis associated with microbial keratitis.

METHODS

Records were reviewed of all patients with both positive corneal and positive intraocular cultures at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 1990, and March 31, 1995.

RESULTS

Thirteen (92.9%) of 14 patients identified had documented keratitis before the diagnosis of endophthalmitis was made. Thirteen (92.9%) patients recently had used 1% prednisolone acetate eye drops, 2 (14.3%) received oral prednisone, and 5 (35.7%) were being treated for systemic conditions associated with relative immune dysfunction. Eight (57.1%) patients had a history of ocular surgery, and seven (50.0%) had wound abnormalities. Eight (57.1%) patients lacked an intact posterior capsule, four (28.6%) had a corneal perforation, and three (21.4%) had a history of dry eye. Gram-negative organisms (7), Staphylococcus aureus (3), streptococcal species (2), and fungi (4) were the most frequently isolated organisms. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were not isolated. Six (42.9%) patients achieved a post-treatment visual acuity of 20/200 or better. Three (21.4%) patients underwent enucleation or evisceration. Although not statistically significant, there was an association between appropriate initial antibiotic therapy and improved visual outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Patients in whom endophthalmitis associated with microbial keratitis develops have a frequent history of corticosteroid use, systemic conditions associated with relative immune dysfunction, lack of an intact posterior capsule, dry eye, wound abnormalities, and/or corneal perforation. In general, agents cultured consisted of organisms less frequently reported to be the causative agents in series of postoperative and post-traumatic endophthalmitis. Post-treatment visual outcomes generally were poor.

Endophthalmitis in patients with retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE

To review the treatment and outcomes of patients presenting with concurrent endophthalmitis and retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients presenting with culture-proven endophthalmitis and retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification between 1990 and 1994.

RESULTS

Five patients were identified with culture-proven endophthalmitis and retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification. In all patients, coagulase-negative staphylococci were cultured from the vitreous fluid. One patient also had positive cultures for Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli. The interval between cataract surgery and treatment ranged from 5 days to 6 months. Echography was beneficial in showing retained lens fragments in five of five patients when media opacities obscured the view of the fundus. Four patients had vitrectomy and removal of retained lens fragments during their initial treatment. The fifth patient was treated with intravitreal antibiotics alone and continued to have marked inflammation, eventually requiring vitrectomy for removal of the retained lens fragments. A final visual acuity of 20/400 or better was achieved in four of the five patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients may present with endophthalmitis in the setting of retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification. In such cases, the preferred initial management may be pars plana vitrectomy, removal of retained lens fragments, and injection of intraocular antibiotics. In eyes with endophthalmitis and opaque media, echography is a useful screening modality.

Anterior chamber aspirate cultures in small incision cataract surgery

BACKGROUND

Anterior chamber aspirates on completion of extracapsular cataract surgery contain significant numbers of organisms, particularly coagulase negative staphylococci, an important cause of endophthalmitis.

METHODS

Culture rates were compared in 50 patients after phacoemulsification surgery, which allows the possible benefits of a small, self sealing wound and maintenance of positive intraocular pressure, with a similar number of extracapsular cases.

RESULTS

A culture positive rate of 20% and 24% respectively was found, an insignificant difference.

CONCLUSION

Small incision surgery has no proved advantage over extracapsular surgery in terms of reducing the intraoperative bacterial inoculum. The significance of this result in terms of causation of endophthalmitis is discussed.

The treatment of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery: review of 26 cases

A retrospective study of 26 cases of postoperative endophthalmitis occurring after extracapsular cataract extraction and lens implantation was conducted between January 1989 and December 1992. Twenty-one of the 26 cases (81%) were diagnosed within two weeks after surgery. The most common organism isolated was Staphylococcus saprophyticus (23%). After the bacterial samples had been taken, cefotaxime or gentamicin was injected into anterior chamber and vitreous space. The therapy regimen consisted of topical tobramycin, Polysporin (polymyxinsulfate, neomycinsulfate and gramicidin), dexamethasone and atropine and parabulbar cefotaxime, netilmicin and betamethasone. Cefotaxime or, alternatively, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin and prednisolone were given systemically. The final visual acuity of 20/40 or more was obtained in 15 cases (58%). Twenty-one patients (81%) achieved a visual acuity of 20/400 or better. Three patients had no light perception after the treatment of endophthalmitis. Silk as suture material in wound closure and rupture of the posterior capsule were found to be risk factors in the development of endophthalmitis. The results of the present study show that effective drug treatment also results in good visual outcome.

Infectious endophthalmitis after cataract surgery

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