Incidence of presumed postoperative endophthalmitis in Dublin for a 5-year period (1997-2001)

The incidence of suspected endophthalmitis following cataract surgery in a 5-year period in a busy Irish ophthalmic unit was 0.49%. Culture-positive endophthalmitis was 0.1%, but only 56% of cases with presumed endophthalmitis had a vitreous biopsy performed. The visual outcome was better in patients who were treated with intravitreal antibiotics at the first sign of symptoms. These findings support the hypothesis that infection is the most likely cause of postoperative endophthalmitis and that it may present as hypopyon or fibrinous uveitis. Prompt investigation and treatment of such patients with a standard endophthalmitis protocol should be instituted to save vision.