Postoperative endophthalmitis. Introduction: incidence and etiology.

Postoperative endophthalmitis (POE) can occur after any type of intraocular surgery including operations for cataract, glaucoma, penetrating keratoplasty, retinal detachment, vitrectomy, and the repair of perforating trauma. Notwithstanding a gradual reduction in the overall incidence of POE, sporadic cases and occasional multiple outbreaks continue to cause the loss of eyes. This symposium is concerned with the incidence, epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of POE caused by bacteria and fungi.