Endophthalmitis: a reappraisal of incidence and treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The current publications that address either the incidence or treatment of endophthalmitis are reviewed.

RECENT FINDINGS

A large body of published research has recently addressed the issue of potential increases in the incidence of endophthalmitis, especially postcataract endophthalmitis. Additional studies have evaluated relatively new antibiotics and their potential effect on the prevention and treatment of endophthalmitis.

SUMMARY

Although there appears to be a renewed effort to report the incidence and theorized risk factors for postcataract endophthalmitis, there are wide discrepancies in the rate and potential causes of postoperative endophthalmitis. In regards to endophthalmitis treatment, helpful findings regarding the potency of newer antibiotics and the appropriateness of subconjunctival antibiotics are reviewed.