Endophthalmitis after cataract extraction: incidence, treatment, and outcome in Crete, Greece, during period 2000-2008.

PURPOSE: To report the incidence, microbial spectrum, and outcome of cataract operation related endophthalmitis cases from 2000 to 2008 in the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete.

METHODS

Retrospective, observational case series collected from the files of the University Eye Clinic of Heraklion.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2008, 23 eyes of 23 patients with endophthalmitis after cataract surgery were reported. Vitreous specimens were obtained in all cases. Twelve were cultured positive, 8 with gram-positive bacteria, and 4 with gram-negative bacteria. Ten patients were treated medically, 13 surgically, and 2 finally underwent enucleation of the affected globe. Fourteen (60.8%) eyes of the total 23 managed in our hospital, achieved a final visual acuity of 1/10 or better and 9 lower than 1/10. Five eyes ended up with no light perception.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide an overview of cataract operation related endophthalmitis cases managed in our clinic during the past 9 years.