Postoperative Endophthalmitis following Cataract Surgery in Asia

Abstract

Postoperative endophthalmitis is a rare clinical occurrence. However, it remains one of the most serious complications following cataract surgery because of its poor prognosis. We investigated the epidemiologic trends in postoperative endophthalmitis following cataract surgery, particularly in Asian populations. The incidence of postcataract endophthalmitis was generally consistent with epidemiologic data reported from Caucasian populations. The most frequently occurring causative organism was coagulase-negative Staphylococci in most studies of Asian populations. However, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Nocardia were found to be the most common microorganisms in several studies. The rates of culture positivity were slightly lower than in Caucasian studies. In the evaluation of risk factors of poor visual outcomes, initial visual acuity and virulence of the causative microorganisms were generally found to be the most important risk factors. A history of pars plana vitrectomy was found to be the major risk factors for developing endophthalmitis in several studies.