Postoperative endophthalmitis

Postoperative endophthalmitis is a rare, albeit serious, complication of cataract surgery. Over the years, preoperative and operative measures, such as lid hygiene, appropriate surgical draping, and improved surgical technique, have all decreased the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis. Commonly used prophylactic measures include preoperative topical, intracameral, and postoperative topical antibiotics. Since the landmark study done by the endophthalmitis vitrectomy study group, treatment has usually consisted of intravitreal antibiotics with or without pars plana vitrectomy (depending on the patient population). In this review, we have focused on advances in the field of endophthalmitis within the last year. These include articles examining treatment and complications of diabetic patients and those with retinal detachments, bacterial adherence to lenses, prophylactic measures, and addition of steroids to conventional treatments of endophthalmitis.