Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
07:24
Intravitreal Injection and Quantitation of Infection Parameters in a Mouse Model of Bacterial Endophthalmitis
Published on: February 6, 2021
Delayed-onset endophthalmitis associated with Ex-PRESS mini glaucoma shunt®
Yasir Ahmed1, Avinash Pathengay, Harry W Flynn
1Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Summary
A 92-year-old man experienced delayed endophthalmitis after glaucoma shunt surgery. Treatment with vitreous tap and intravitreal antibiotics successfully managed the infection, preserving some vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Delayed-onset endophthalmitis is a rare but serious complication following glaucoma surgery.
- The Ex-PRESS mini glaucoma shunt is a device used to manage intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
Observation:
- A 92-year-old male presented with delayed-onset endophthalmitis three years post-Ex-PRESS mini glaucoma shunt implantation.
- Clinical examination revealed a positive Seidel test over the glaucoma shunt.
Findings:
- The patient received a vitreous tap with intravitreal antibiotics (vancomycin, ceftazidime) and dexamethasone, plus subconjunctival antibiotics (vancomycin, tobramycin).
- Visual acuity in the affected eye improved to 3/200 with this conservative management.
- No vitrectomy or shunt removal was necessary.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for delayed-onset endophthalmitis even years after glaucoma shunt placement.
- Conservative management, including vitreous tap and intravitreal antibiotics, can be effective in treating such infections.
- Ophthalmologists should maintain a high index of suspicion for endophthalmitis in patients with glaucoma shunts presenting with eye inflammation or vision loss.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...