Late bacterial endophthalmitis following retinal detachment surgery

We report two cases of late postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis that occurred following retinal detachment repair. Both patients presented months after their scleral buckling procedures with a subacute uveitis. Over a period of one to two weeks, the inflammation gradually increased, until the classic clinical appearance of fulminant bacterial endophthalmitis was present. In an effort to treat the infection, a pars plana vitrectomy was performed in both cases. At the time of vitreous surgery, intrusion of the scleral buckling elements into the globe was observed, suggesting a possible means of entry for the infectious agent. Removal of the buckling elements, repair of the scleral defects, and injection of intravitreal antibiotics were performed as therapeutic interventions. Vitreous cultures were positive in both cases for Proteus mirabilis. Postoperatively the retina remained attached in both instances, and, in one case, the visual acuity returned to 20/20.