Postoperative endophthalmitis in children following cataract surgery

Three children developed endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. Each had signs and symptoms of either nasolacrimal duct obstruction or upper respiratory infection at the time of surgery. The causative organisms were Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Final visual acuities were 6/24, LP, and NLP, respectively. Endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in infants has never been reported. These three cases drawn from two pediatric ophthalmology practices represent an incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis of 0.45%. Although this incidence report is potentially spurious, it indicates that postoperative endophthalmitis is a very real threat in infants. We recommend a thorough systems review and exam of upper airways and lacrimal system before undertaking intraocular surgery in young children. We also caution against simultaneous bilateral surgery.