Endophthalmitis – a retrospective study

Aim
to analyse aetiology of endophtalmitis, its course as well as treatment and its outcomes in patients treated at the Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Medical University of Lublin in 2014–2016.

Material and methods
Retrospective analysis of 23 patients (23 eyes) seen at the Department over 3 years, including aetiology, microbial testing, clinical findings, treatment and its outcomes.

Results
In 22 out of 23 patients, vitrectomy was a treatment of choice, and one patient received conservative treatment. Treatment led to vision improvement or stabilization in 13 patients (56.5%) or worsening in 10 patients (43.5%). Inflammation was contained in all patients, with all eyes saved. The most commonly identified causal pathogen was Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, and the most common cause of endophthalmitis was previous cataract surgery.

Conclusions
Endophthalmitis is one of the most debilitating, sight-threatening ophthalmic conditions. It is most frequently recognized as an acute postoperative complication but can also be caused by other local or systemic diseases. Our treatment of choice in endophthalmitis includes vitrectomy, usually with silicone oil tamponade. It should always be taken under consideration, though, that even after successful surgery, the functional outcome is uncertain.