Endophthalmitis Then and Now

More than a century of innovation has transformed how endophthalmitis is prevented, diagnosed, and treated.

By: Landon J. Rohowetz, MD, Patrick C. Staropoli, MD, Stephen G. Schwartz, MD, MBA, Christopher Leffler, MD, MPH, Harry W. Flynn Jr., MD

Retinal Physician May 1, 2025 Vol 22, Issue May 2025 Page(s): 8-12

5 Key Takeaways

1

Endophthalmitis is classified into various types, including postoperative, posttraumatic, and endogenous infections.
2

The incidence of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery has significantly decreased from 1% in the 1960s to approximately 0.068% today.
3

Prophylactic intracameral cefuroxime has shown a five-fold reduction in endophthalmitis rates, though its adoption varies widely.
4

Intravitreal injections have increased, but the use of topical antibiotics for prophylaxis is no longer standard practice.
5

Contemporary practices have improved endophthalmitis rates after open globe injuries to around 4%, aided by prompt treatment and systemic antibiotics.

Landon J. Rohowetz

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: Landon J. Rohowetz, MD, is an ophthalmology author who contributed to Retinal Physician on the evolution of endophthalmitis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. His recent work discusses clinical categories of endophthalmitis, diagnostic approaches including vitreous aspirate and molecular testing, and evidence-based changes in postoperative infection prevention.

Patrick C. Staropoli, MD

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: Patrick C. Staropoli, MD, is an ophthalmology author who coauthored a Retinal Physician review on the evolution of endophthalmitis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. His published ophthalmology writing addresses infectious complications relevant to retinal practice, including postoperative, intravitreal injection–associated, posttraumatic, endogenous, and keratitis-associated endophthalmitis.

Christopher Leffler

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: Christopher Leffler, MD, MPH, is an ophthalmology author who contributed to a Retinal Physician review on the evolution of endophthalmitis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

PentaVision

Retinal Physician

Endophthalmitis Then and Now

5 Key Takeaways

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