Progression of diabetic retinopathy after endophthalmitis

To determine the effect of endophthalmitis on diabetic retinopathy.

Noncomparative case series.

The records of all consecutive patients with endophthalmitis treated between 1992 and 1997 at the Medical College of Wisconsin were retrospectively reviewed. Those patients with diabetes mellitus were analyzed.

From 77 reviewed records, 11 patients (12 eyes; 14%) were identified as diabetics with endophthalmitis and were studied.

Stage of diabetic retinopathy, time to retinopathy progression, and visual acuity.

Mean patient age was 68 years, and mean duration of diabetes was 11.7 years. Mean patient follow-up was 17 months. Of the six cases without evidence of retinopathy before the endophthalmitis, none went on to develop retinopathy. Of six eyes with pre-existing nonproliferative retinopathy, four showed evidence of progression within 6 months of the infection. Three developed severe proliferative disease and macular edema, and one developed severe nonproliferative disease. More patients without pre-existing retinopathy achieved a final visual acuity of 20/40 or greater.

Patients with pre-existing diabetic retinopathy may be at increased risk for rapid retinopathy progression and a poorer visual outcome after endophthalmitis. These results support the concept that inflammation may exacerbate diabetic retinopathy.