Incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis in a high-volume cataract surgicentre in Canada

To determine the incidence of endophthalmitis at a high-volume, multisurgeon Canadian surgicentre and compare the endophthalmitis incidence, incision techniques, and prophylactic regimens with other published data in the worldwide literature.

Retrospective, consecutive case series.

Patients (13 931 eyes) who underwent cataract surgery at the Kensington Eye Institute, Toronto, Ont., from January 9, 2006, to January 6, 2008.

Cases of endophthalmitis were identified from surgeon quality assurance reports. Prophylactic regimens, incision techniques, organisms cultured, and visual outcomes were reviewed in each case. All surgeons were surveyed regarding their incision techniques and prophylactic regimens.

Endophthalmitis developed in 6 eyes (incidence 0.043%). No causative organism predominated, and only 1 patient had severe vision loss to less than counting fingers. More cases of endophthalmitis (4 of 6) occurred in patients not receiving fourth-generation fluoroquinolones, despite approximately 75% of surgeons using these drugs before and after surgery (odds ratio 6.3, relative risk 6.3). No intracameral antibiotics were used in any cases, and all incisions were clear corneal.

Our incidence of postoperative endopthalmitis after cataract surgery was 0.043%. Slight evidence of reduced endophthalmitis with the use of fourth-generation fluoroquinolones was noted. Our endophthalmitis incidence compares favourably with other published rates in the medical literature, and this rate was achieved without intracameral antibiotic use in a centre that uses exclusively topical anesthesia and clear corneal incisions.