A cluster of patients with acute-onset endophthalmitis following cataract surgery

To describe a cluster of patients who had acute-onset endophthalmitis following cataract surgery.

Ten patients with endophthalmitis following cataract surgery who were referred from three different anterior segment surgeons were evaluated.

Presenting visual acuities ranged from 20/30 to light perception (median, 20/80). All 10 eyes demonstrated vitritis, 8 of 10 eyes had hypopyon, and the remaining 2 eyes had significant anterior segment fibrin. All patients were treated with intravitreal injections of vancomycin and ceftazidime, as well as subconjunctival steroids. Vitreous cultures were positive in 2 of 10 eyes, and both grew Staphylococcus epidermidis, aqueous cultures were negative in 8 of 8 eyes (not performed in 2 patients). Follow-up ranged from 13 to 85 days (median, 37 days). All eyes showed complete resolution of inflammation and visual acuity improved to 20/40 or better in 9 eyes (90%).

Acute-onset endophthalmitis may occur in a cluster of patients within a short time frame. Early diagnosis and treatment may result in favorable visual outcomes.