Updated: Nov 6, 2008
Postoperative endophthalmitis is defined as severe inflammation involving both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye after intraocular surgery. Typically, postoperative endophthalmitis is caused by the perioperative introduction of microbial organisms into the eye either from the patient's normal conjunctival and skin flora or from contaminated instruments. Once organisms gain access to the vitreous cavity, overwhelming inflammation is likely to occur, making rapid recognition, diagnosis, and treatment critical in optimizing final outcomes. Although most cases of postoperative endophthalmitis occur within 6 weeks of surgery, infections seen in high-risk patients or infections caused by slow-growing organisms may occur months or years after the procedure.
See related CME at Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
The Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study (EVS) demonstrated that most isolates causing clinical endophthalmitis are introduced into the eye from the patient's conjunctival flora.1 However, contamination of sterilized instruments, disposable supplies, prepared solutions, surgical field, or the intraocular lens all have been reported. Epidemic clusters of endophthalmitis have resulted from these types of external contaminations.2,3
Once bacteria are introduced into the eye, risk factors that may increase the risk of endophthalmitis include rupture of the posterior capsule, retained lens material, and surgical procedure. Published studies have demonstrated an increased risk of endophthalmitis after placement of a secondary intraocular lens, possibly due to increased surgical time or ocular manipulation.4 Prolene haptic sutures also have been implicated as a possible risk factor for the development of endophthalmitis due to the surface properties of the material.
Once clinical infection occurs, damage to ocular tissues is believed to occur due to direct effects of bacterial replication as well as initiation of a fulminant cascade of inflammatory mediators. Endotoxins and other bacterial products appear to cause direct cellular injury while eliciting cytokines that attract neutrophils, which enhance the inflammatory effect. Thus, recent efforts in controlling the damaging effects of endophthalmitis in experimental models have focused on identifying not only appropriate antibiotics for control of the infectious agent but also on anti-inflammatory agents that might disrupt the immunologic events that occur after infection.
Postoperative endophthalmitis remains a rare complication of intraocular surgery. Of the 21,972 patients undergoing cataract extraction at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI) from 1995-2001, 8 (0.04%) developed endophthalmitis. During the same period at BPEI, the incidence of endophthalmitis was 0.2% after secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, 0.03% after pars plana vitrectomy, 0.08% after penetrating keratoplasty, and 0.2% after glaucoma filtering surgery.4 However, some studies have reported a potentially higher rate of acute endophthalmitis following cataract surgery in recent years, presumably secondary to the adoption of sutureless wounds.5,6,7
The rate of postoperative acute endophthalmitis among developed nations is similar to that of the United States.8,9
Fortunately, postsurgical endophthalmitis, unlike endogenous endophthalmitis, rarely causes any extraocular complications. Rarely, untreated cases can lead to late panophthalmitis and orbital cellulitis, prompting need for enucleation.
Morbidity associated with postoperative endophthalmitis can be substantial and is related not only to the acute process but also to late sequelae. In general, the risk of severe visual loss in patients with acute endophthalmitis is higher in patients who develop infections from more virulent organisms and do not seek treatment promptly. 1, 10, 11 Fortunately, 70-80% of patients with postoperative endophthalmitis have infections caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci, and the visual prognosis in these cases is usually good with rapid treatment.No racial predilection exists.
No sexual predilection exists.
No age predilection exists.
Patients with acute postoperative endophthalmitis typically present within 6 weeks of intraocular surgery with moderate to severe eye pain and decreased vision.
| Endophthalmitis, Bacterial | Glaucoma, Phacomorphic |
| Endophthalmitis, Fungal | Glaucoma, Uveitic |
| Filtering Bleb Complications | Hemorrhage, Vitreous |
| Foreign Body, Intraocular | HLA-B27 Syndromes |
| Glaucoma, Lens-Particle | Phacoanaphylaxis |
| Glaucoma, Phacolytic | Vitreous Wick Syndrome |
Rebound inflammation/iridocyclitis
Retained lens fragments
Complicated primary surgery
B-scan (ultrasound): Determine whether there is vitreous involvement of the inflammation. It is also important to note the presence of retinal and choroidal detachment, which is important in the management and prognosis.10,11,20
The EVS evaluated the role of immediate pars plana vitrectomy (VIT) versus intraocular antibiotic injection (TAP) and systemic antibiotics in the treatment of acute postoperative endophthalmitis. Patients were included in the study if they presented within 6 weeks of cataract extraction or secondary IOL implantation, had an initial visual acuity between 20/50 and light perception, and had a view sufficient to perform a VIT. Exclusion criteria included prior treatment of endophthalmitis, previous intraocular surgery, or preexisting eye disease limiting visual acuity to 20/100 or worse. Once enrolled, the 420 patients were assigned to immediate initial TAP or VIT, and then subsequently assigned to receive intravenous antibiotics. The main treatment outcomes evaluated included final visual acuity and media clarity.10
The results demonstrated no difference in final visual outcomes in patients who underwent initial TAP or VIT if presenting visual acuity was better than light perception. However, in patients presenting with light perception vision, those who underwent initial VIT were 3 times more likely to achieve 20/40 vision or better, twice as likely to maintain 20/100 vision or better, and had a nearly 50% reduction in the risk of severe visual loss (<5/200), compared to patients who underwent TAP. No long-term difference occurred in media clarity between the treatment groups. Intravenous antibiotics had no effect on either treatment outcome.10
Subsequent reports by the EVS demonstrated that visual outcome in the trial was based largely on the presenting signs and offending organisms.1,18,20 Cases due to coagulase-negative staphylococci or if no organism was isolated demonstrated the best final visual outcome. Endophthalmitis caused by other gram-positive or gram-negative infections had significantly worse final visual acuity. The most common cause for moderate and severe visual loss was macular abnormalities (eg, epiretinal membrane, macular edema, pigmentary degeneration, macular ischemia) and media opacities.
The EVS demonstrated that in many cases of acute postoperative endophthalmitis, patients can be treated with initial TAP without intravenous antibiotic and have a favorable outcome. However, in patients who present early after surgery with overwhelming inflammation and rapidly declining vision, early vitrectomy may be warranted since patients in the EVS who were infected with virulent organisms appeared to have a better visual outcome with vitrectomy than tap and inject. In addition, although no benefit was demonstrated with the use of intravenous antibiotics, the choice of amikacin for gram-positive coverage in the EVS has been questioned because of its poor penetration into the vitreous cavity in animal models. Therefore, in cases of rapid deterioration of vision, the use of appropriate systemic antibiotics can be considered.
Since the EVS specifically excluded patients with postoperative endophthalmitis who underwent any procedure other than cataract surgery, therapy for these cases must be individualized. In patients with conjunctival filtering bleb-associated endophthalmitis, earlier vitrectomy may be preferred in selected cases because of more profound inflammation and the increased probability of more virulent organisms.11,19 In chronic postoperative endophthalmitis, initial surgical treatment also may offer advantages over intraocular antibiotics alone.13,14
Vitreous cultures typically grow more often from undiluted samples. Therefore, samples should be obtained by an automated vitrectomy instrument before instillation of balanced salt solution through the posterior infusion cannula.
In chronic postoperative endophthalmitis due to P acnes, intraocular vancomycin alone has been associated with high rates of persistent inflammation. In contrast, vitrectomy with special attention to either partial or total capsular bag excision without IOL removal has been reported effective in eradicating inflammation without removal of the IOL.13,14 Some advocate a stepwise approach with vitrectomy, partial or total capsulectomy, and intravitreal vancomycin, and, if inflammation/infection persists, to proceed with vitrectomy, total capsulectomy, and IOL removal.
The EVS recommended rapid intervention with vitrectomy for patients with severe vision loss (light perception) on presentation. It is important to note again that the EVS only evaluated acute endophthalmitis following cataract extraction or secondary IOL implantation. As noted above, cases following other surgical procedures, such as glaucoma filtering procedure and penetrating keratoplasty, should be individually managed because of the lack of prospective randomized studies, with some advocating vitrectomy at the onset.11,19
Therapy must be comprehensive and cover all likely pathogens in the context of this clinical setting.
Indicated for treatment of serious or severe infections caused by gram-positive organisms.
Intravitreal: 1 mg in 0.1 mL
Subconjunctival injection: 25 mg
Topical: 50 mg/mL gtt
Not established
None reported for subconjunctival and intravitreal applications
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms
Third-generation cephalosporin with broad-spectrum, gram-negative activity; lower efficacy against gram-positive organisms; higher efficacy against resistant organisms. Arrests bacterial growth by binding to one or more penicillin-binding proteins.
Intravitreal: 2.25 mg in 0.1 mL
Subconjunctival: 100 mg
Topical: 50 mg/mL gtt
Not established
None reported for subconjunctival and intravitreal applications
Documented hypersensitivity
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Adjust dose in severe renal insufficiency (high doses may cause CNS toxicity); superinfections and promotion of nonsusceptible organisms may occur with prolonged use or repeated therapy
Have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. Corticosteroids modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.
Decreases inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reducing capillary permeability.
Intravitreal: 0.4 mg in 0.1 mL
Subconjunctival injection: 12 mg
Not established
None reported for subconjunctival and intravitreal applications
Documented hypersensitivity; active bacterial or fungal infection
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Enhanced effect of corticosteroid in patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis; caution in patients with ocular herpes simplex
Synthetic analog of naturally occurring glucocorticoid used to suppress the inflammatory response.
1 or 2 gtt qid to every hour
Administer as in adults
None reported for subconjunctival and intravitreal applications
Documented hypersensitivity; epithelial herpes simplex keratitis; mycobacterial infection; fungal diseases of ocular structures
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Possibility of persistent fungal infection of the cornea
Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study Group. Microbiologic factors and visual outcome in the endophthalmitis vitrectomy study. Am J Ophthalmol. Dec 1996;122(6):830-46. [Medline].
Gibb AP, Fleck BW, Kempton-Smith L. A cluster of deep bacterial infections following eye surgery associated with construction dust. J Hosp Infect. Jun 2006;63(2):197-200. [Medline].
Cruciani M, Malena M, Amalfitano G, et al. Molecular epidemiology in a cluster of cases of postoperative Pseudomonas aeruginosa endophthalmitis. Clin Infect Dis. Feb 1998;26(2):330-3. [Medline].
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Taban M, Behrens A, Newcomb RL, et al. Acute endophthalmitis following cataract surgery: a systematic review of the literature. Arch Ophthalmol. May 2005;123(5):613-20. [Medline].
West ES, Behrens A, McDonnell PJ, et al. The incidence of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery among the U.S. Medicare population increased between 1994 and 2001. Ophthalmology. Aug 2005;112(8):1388-94. [Medline].
Prophylaxis of postoperative endophthalmitis following cataract surgery: results of the ESCRS multicenter study and identification of risk factors. J Cataract Refract Surg. Jun 2007;33(6):978-88. [Medline].
Lundström M, Wejde G, Stenevi U, et al. Endophthalmitis after cataract surgery: a nationwide prospective study evaluating incidence in relation to incision type and location. Ophthalmology. May 2007;114(5):866-70. [Medline].
Ng JQ, Morlet N, Pearman JW, et al. Management and outcomes of postoperative endophthalmitis since the endophthalmitis vitrectomy study: the Endophthalmitis Population Study of Western Australia (EPSWA)'s fifth report. Ophthalmology. Jul 2005;112(7):1199-206. [Medline].
Results of the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study. A randomized trial of immediate vitrectomy and of intravenous antibiotics for the treatment of postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis. Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study Group. Arch Ophthalmol. Dec 1995;113(12):1479-96. [Medline].
Lemley CA, Han DP. Endophthalmitis: a review of current evaluation and management. Retina. Jul-Aug 2007;27(6):662-80. [Medline].
Lalwani GA, Flynn HW Jr, Scott IU, et al. Acute-onset endophthalmitis after clear corneal cataract surgery (1996-2005). Clinical features, causative organisms, and visual acuity outcomes. Ophthalmology. Mar 2008;115(3):473-6. [Medline].
Mandelbaum S, Meisler DM. Postoperative chronic microbial endophthalmitis. Int Ophthalmol Clin. Winter 1993;33(1):71-9. [Medline].
Clark WL, Kaiser PK, Flynn HW Jr, et al. Treatment strategies and visual acuity outcomes in chronic postoperative Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis. Ophthalmology. Sep 1999;106(9):1665-70. [Medline]. [Full Text].
Fang YT, Chien LN, Ng YY, et al. Association of hospital and surgeon operation volume with the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis: Taiwan experience. Eye. Aug 2006;20(8):900-7. [Medline].
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Kunimoto DY, Kaiser RS. Incidence of endophthalmitis after 20- and 25-gauge vitrectomy. Ophthalmology. Dec 2007;114(12):2133-7. [Medline].
Johnson MW, Doft BH, Kelsey SF, et al. The Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study. Relationship between clinical presentation and microbiologic spectrum. Ophthalmology. Feb 1997;104(2):261-72. [Medline].
Busbee BG, Recchia FM, Kaiser R, et al. Bleb-associated endophthalmitis: clinical characteristics and visual outcomes. Ophthalmology. Aug 2004;111(8):1495-503; discussion 1503. [Medline].
Doft BH, Kelsey SF, Wisniewski SR. Additional procedures after the initial vitrectomy or tap-biopsy in the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study. Ophthalmology. Apr 1998;105(4):707-16. [Medline].
Park SS, Vallar RV, Hong CH, et al. Intravitreal dexamethasone effect on intravitreal vancomycin elimination in endophthalmitis. Arch Ophthalmol. Aug 1999;117(8):1058-62. [Medline].
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postoperative endophthalmitis, eye infection, vitritis, hypopyon, bacterial infection
Mehran Taban, MD, Vitreoretinal Fellow, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Mehran Taban, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and Phi Beta Kappa
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
William B Trattler, MD, Ophthalmologist, The Center for Excellence in Eye Care; Volunteer Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
William B Trattler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
William Lloyd Clark, MD, Consulting Staff, Palmetto Retina
William Lloyd Clark, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Peter K Kaiser, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Ophthalmology, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Peter K Kaiser, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Medical Society, and Society for Neuroscience
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Andrew W Lawton, MD, Medical Director of Neuro-Ophthalmology Service, Section of Ophthalmology, Baptist Eye Center, Baptist Health Medical Center
Andrew W Lawton, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Arkansas Medical Society, and Southern Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment
R Christopher Walton, MD, Professor, Director of Uveitis and Ocular Inflammatory Disease Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Assistant Dean for Graduate Medical Education, University of Tennessee College of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Regional Medical Center, Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St Jude Children's Research Hospital
R Christopher Walton, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Healthcare Executives, American Uveitis Society, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and Retina Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Lance L Brown, OD, MD, Ophthalmologist, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Regional Eye Center, Joplin, Missouri
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Hampton Roy Sr, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Hampton Roy Sr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
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