Results in the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis.

Fifteen cases of confirmed and clinically suspected bacterial endophthalmitis seen at the Vitreous Clinic of Sydney Eye Hospital in the three-year period from July 1981 to July 1984 are reviewed. The predisposing factors are summarized; two cases followed secondary implantation of an intraocular lens and one case followed removal of sutures from a cataract section. All but one of the patients had been given topical, subconjunctival or systemic antibiotics prior to surgery. All but two of the patients had vitreous biopsies performed, and all of these patients in turn received intravitreal antibiotics, usually gentamicin and cephalothin. Positive cultures were obtained in nine cases (69%), including the two cases who had not received antibiotics prior to vitreous biopsy. Final visual acuities ranged from 6/6 to no perception of light (NPL). Delay of more than 36 hours between the onset of severe symptoms and intravitreal antibiotic treatment was associated with a poor visual outcome.