Risk factors associated with endophthalmitis after cataract surgery

Lisbon, Portugal - Data on the development of endophthalmitis have been reported continuously since 1994 in Sweden, and the rate of endophthalmitis has been decreasing similar to international rates. Per Montan, MD, reported the results of a multicenter study on the risk factors that have been identified for the development of endophthalmitis Monday at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting.

The use of prophylactic antibiotics seems to be a decisive factor in preventing endophthalmitis after cataract surgery, explained Dr. Montan, from the Anterior Segment Department, St. Erik’s Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

The factors that were analyzed in endophthalmitis included the prophylactic regimen, preoperative complications (communication with the vitreous), the type of incision, the type of IOL implanted, and the use of an injector, Dr. Montan said.

From 2002-2004, a total of 225,471 cataract surgeries were performed and 105 cases of endophthalmitis developed, for an incidence of 0.05%. In almost all cases, prophylactic antibiotics were administered intracamerally. Temporal corneal incisions presented a slightly higher risk factor when compared with superior incisions, but the difference was no statistically significant. The use of injectors did not protect against development of endophthalmitis, and communication with the vitreous was a decisive factor.

“Temporal corneal incisions presented a slightly higher risk of development of endophthalmitis. Personally, I do not think this is a major factor in my decision making when I perform phacoemulsification,” he concluded.