Three-Dimensional Digital Visualization System-Assisted Vitrectomy for Infectious Endophthalmitis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Infectious endophthalmitis poses a significant threat to vision.
• Pars plana vitrectomy is a key surgical intervention for endophthalmitis.
• Advancements in surgical visualization systems aim to improve outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare surgical outcomes of three-dimensional visualization systems (3DVS) versus traditional microscopes in managing infectious endophthalmitis.
• To assess the effectiveness and safety of 3DVS-assisted vitrectomy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of 29 patients with infectious endophthalmitis undergoing 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy.
• Comparison between 16 patients using 3DVS (3D group) and 13 patients using traditional microscopes (eyepiece group).
• Evaluation of operation time, endoillumination brightness, complications, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in baseline characteristics or complication rates (e.g., high intraocular pressure, retinal detachment) between the 3DVS and microscope groups.
• The 3DVS group showed a trend towards shorter operation times and significantly lower endoillumination requirements.
• Both groups achieved significant BCVA improvement, with a modestly superior final BCVA in the 3DVS group.

Conclusions:

• Three-dimensional visualization systems provide comparable surgical outcomes to traditional microscopes for infectious endophthalmitis management.
• 3DVS offers advantages including clearer visualization, reduced illumination needs, and improved ergonomics.
• 3DVS is a safe and effective option for complex and prolonged endophthalmitis surgeries.