Experimental endophthalmitis treated with an implantable osmotic minipump.

A rabbit model of endophthalmitis was used to test the efficacy of an osmotic minipump delivery system as compared to standard intravitreal injection of the antibiotic, Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated into the vitreous cavity, and elimination of microorganisms was compared with use of intravitreal administration of 100 micrograms of gentamicin sulfate by either single pars plana injection or the continuous four-day administration of drugs to the vitreous via pars plana tubing connected to the minipump implanted subcutaneously near the rabbit's ear.