Role of vitrectomy in Staphylococcus epidermidis endophthalmitis

Seventeen patients with endophthalmitis due to coagulase-negative staphylococcus were treated over a nine-year period with vitrectomy, intraocular antibiotics, and systemic steroids and antibiotics. Fifteen patients presented with moderate to severe disease and visual acuities from counting fingers to light perception, while two had acuities of 20/60 and 20/200. A final visual outcome of 20/70 or better was achieved in 13 of 17 eyes (76%). Only one eye lost perception of light secondary to retinal detachment. Therapy including vitrectomy is an effective means of controlling moderate to severe coagulase-negative staphylococcal endophthalmitis and restoring vision.