Bacterial endophthalmitis after retinal surgery.

Two cases of postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis occurring in 10,000 routine scleral buckling operations are reported. Intraocular access of bacteria is suspected through scleral perforations used for release of subretinal fluid and for air injection. In case 1, despite vigorous treatments with vitrectomy, corticosteroids, and antibiotics, visual acuity decreased to light perception. In case 2, with intensive therapy, visual acuity of 6/12 (20/40) was retained. The visual outcome seems to depend on the rapidity of diagnosis and the promptness of aggressive therapy before irreparable structural damage occurs.