A cluster of patients with acute-onset endophthalmitis following cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To describe a cluster of patients who had acute-onset endophthalmitis following cataract surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ten patients with endophthalmitis following cataract surgery who were referred from three different anterior segment surgeons were evaluated.

RESULTS

Presenting visual acuities ranged from 20/30 to light perception (median, 20/80). All 10 eyes demonstrated vitritis, 8 of 10 eyes had hypopyon, and the remaining 2 eyes had significant anterior segment fibrin. All patients were treated with intravitreal injections of vancomycin and ceftazidime, as well as subconjunctival steroids. Vitreous cultures were positive in 2 of 10 eyes, and both grew Staphylococcus epidermidis, aqueous cultures were negative in 8 of 8 eyes (not performed in 2 patients). Follow-up ranged from 13 to 85 days (median, 37 days). All eyes showed complete resolution of inflammation and visual acuity improved to 20/40 or better in 9 eyes (90%).

CONCLUSIONS

Acute-onset endophthalmitis may occur in a cluster of patients within a short time frame. Early diagnosis and treatment may result in favorable visual outcomes.