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Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of transzonular moxifloxacin and dexamethasone versus standard postoperative topical drug regimen in phacoemulsification., Design: Nonrandomized prospective study., Methods: The study included 100 eyes of 100 age and gender-matched individuals with senile cataract undergoing routine phacoemulsification. The patients were consecutively divided into transzonular (TZ = 50) and topical (TP = 50) groups. Both the groups were followed up for 4 weeks and assessed for intraocular inflammation, visual acuity, changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), and any adverse events., Results: The grades of inflammation were significantly lower in TZ as compared to the TP group ( P < 0.001). The IOP remained normal and comparable in both the groups. Most of the patients in the two groups attained a visual acuity of 0.2 or better at the end of the follow-up. No adverse effects and increased rate of endophthalmitis were noted in TZ group., Conclusion: A one-time peroperative TZ moxifloxacin and dexamethasone combination is a safe and effective method to control postoperative inflammation after cataract surgery. A word of caution though, due precautions to be exercised to prevent the risk of inflammation and endophthalmitis., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Indian Journal of Ophthalmology.)

Purpose: To describe a series of post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) patients from a multispecialty tertiary hospital in North India., Methods: A retrospective chart review including all consecutive cases with EE following confirmed COVID-19 disease from July 2020 to June 2021., Results: Seven eyes of four patients (three female and one male) were included. Two patients had confirmed bilateral fungal (Aspergillus sp.) EE and two patients had presumed fungal EE (one bilateral and one unilateral). Three of these four patients received systemic steroids as part of COVID-19 treatment previously. Five eyes were managed with initial intravitreal injection (IVI), followed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and two eyes were managed with only IVI. All patients received systemic antifungal agents. Intraocular inflammation resolved in all eyes with treatment. One patient of EE also developed voriconazole-induced transient visual hallucination, which resolved on discontinuing the medication., Conclusion: This case series represents a series of EE cases following COVID-19 disease or its sequelae or as a result of prior treatment for COVID-19. Ophthalmologists and physicians must be vigilant about these complications and initiate prompt management at the earliest., (Copyright © 2023 Copyright: © 2023 Indian Journal of Ophthalmology.)

This case report describes three eyes of two patients, who were diagnosed to have endogenous fungal endophthalmitis post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Both patients underwent vitrectomy with intravitreal anti-fungal injection. Intra-ocular samples confirmed the fungal etiology by conventional microbiological investigations and polymerase chain reaction in both cases. The patients were treated with multiple intravitreal and oral anti-fungal agents; however, vision could not be salvaged., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: To compare different endophthalmitis prophylaxis methods adopted in cataract surgery (manual small-incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification) between the years 2013 and 2021 in the community eye care section of a tertiary eye care hospital in South India and report their outcomes., Methods: All cataract surgeries performed from January 2013 to December 2021 (2,46,874 surgeries) at a single center were included in this retrospective study. The different endophthalmitis rates with each regimen were analyzed and evaluated., Results: 70,081 surgeries were performed from January 2013 to February 2015, where Tobramycin was added to Balanced Salt Solution (BSS) (Group A). From March 2015 to January 2017, 63,245 surgeries were performed when intracameral Moxifloxacin was given (Group B). From February 2017 to December 2021, 1,13,548 surgeries were performed were Amikacin was added to BSS (Group C). In total, 42 cases of postoperative endophthalmitis were reported during the study period (0.02%). There was no significant difference in the endophthalmitis rates between groups A and B (P = 0.4152); however, there was a significant decrease in endophthalmitis rates in group C when compared with group A (P = 0.04) and group B (P = 0.006)., Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in the rates of endophthalmitis following the addition of amikacin in irrigating BSS. Nocardia was one of the predominant organisms isolated from these endophthalmitis patients. This is the first single-center study to report a comparative analysis of different endophthalmitis prophylactic measures in a community eye care set up with a high incidence of Nocardia endophthalmitis prevented with amikacin in BSS irrigating solution., Competing Interests: None

Competing Interests: None

Purpose: The aim of this study was to present the signs, symptoms, management, and outcome of a series of cases of cluster endophthalmitis caused by a multi-drug resistant fungus, Trichosporon., Methods: This was a retrospective, non-randomized, consecutive interventional case series. Ten cases of postoperative endophthalmitis operated by a surgeon on three consecutive operation theater (OT) days presented 3-5 months after their surgery. All cases were microbiologically confirmed. The pathogen was found to be resistant to most antifungals, including amphotericin B. The cases had a latent period of around 45 days. Management of endophthalmitis included intravitreal injections, anterior chamber (AC) lavage, Pars Plana vitrectomy (PPV), posterior capsulotomy, IOL, and capsular bag removal. Multiple intravitreal injections were required due to recurrence of infections after initial improvement with voriconazole injections., Results: Structural integrity was maintained and infection-free status was achieved in all the eyes. The presenting vision ranged from 6/60 to PL (perception of light). Seven out of 10 had improvement in their final vision over the presenting vision. Final outcome of four patients had vision of 6/24 or better, 4 patients had vision in the range of 2/60 to 6/36 and 2 patients had PL., Conclusion: Trichosporon can cause devasting infections even in the immunocompetent, especially in association with implants and catheters. Triazoles form the mainstay of treatment of Trichosporon infection due to the high susceptibility of the organism in vitro. A regimen including voriconazole and amphotericin B may prove to be the most effective. This is the first report of an outbreak of cluster endophthalmitis caused by Trichosporon., Competing Interests: None

Competing Interests: None

We present two ICU-hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) presenting with endogenous endophthalmitis in one eye and variable manifestations of chorioretinitis in the fellow eye. Two diabetic patients (57 and 62 years old) showed anterior uveitis and yellowish-white subretinal infiltrations. The fellow eye of one patient showed patches of choroiditis, while the other showed full retinal thickness infiltrations. A workup yielded high serum titers of galactomannan, diagnostic of aspergillosis. The widespread use of high doses of corticosteroids in the management of COVID-19 may predispose to various secondary fungal opportunistic infections and may manifest in different forms of chorioretinal infiltration., Competing Interests: None

Fungal endophthalmitis is a potentially blinding condition. It is more often reported from Asia, including India. The incidence is lower than bacterial endophthalmitis. But it is relatively more challenging to treat than bacterial endophthalmitis. Many eyes may need therapeutic keratoplasty and/or evisceration. The current mainstays of treatment are vitrectomy irrespective of the presenting vision, intravitreal antifungal agents, and systemic therapy; additionally, the patients could require prolonged treatment with repeat vitreous surgeries and intravitreal injections. Difficulty in clinical diagnosis, delay in microbiological culture, and limited options of antifungal drugs make the treatment more difficult and less rewarding. Three common fungi causing endophthalmitis are Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Candida. The former two are molds, often identified in exogenous endophthalmitis, postoperative and traumatic; the latter is yeast and is more often identified in endogenous endophthalmitis. A faster diagnosis with newer molecular microbiological technologies might help institute treatment earlier than it is currently possible. A target trial using big data from different regions of the world might emulate a randomized clinical trial to design a definite treatment strategy. Given fewer antifungal drugs, one must be mindful of antifungal stewardship to prevent resistance to the existing drugs., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: To compare the clinicomicrobiological features and outcomes in patients with infectious endophthalmitis caused by biofilm-positive (BP) and biofilm-negative (BN) bacteria., Methods: This was a prospective, interventional, comparative, nonrandomized, consecutive case series. Culture-positive bacterial endophthalmitis cases from August 1, 2018 to July 31 st 31, 2019 were included. All vitreous samples were tested for biofilm using crystal violet plate and XTT (2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) methods and classified as BN and BP. The antibiotic susceptibility of all organisms was determined. Anatomic and functional success was defined as intraocular pressure >5 mm Hg and final best-corrected vision ≥20/400, respectively, at last visit., Results: There were 50 eyes in the BN group and 33 eyes in the BP group. BN group eyes required 2.86 ± 1.45 surgical interventions, and BP group eyes needed surgical 6.36 ± 2.89 interventions, P < 0.0001, 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 2-4. Median follow-up was 6 and 5 months, respectively (P = 0.33). Final logMAR vision was a median of 1.2 and 1.9 respectively; P = 0.0005, 95% C.I.: 0.4-1.7. Functional success was achieved in 44% and 21.2% (P = 0.03, 95% C.I.: 1.86%-40.08%) and anatomic success was achieved in 68% and 42.42%, respectively (P = 0.02, 95% C.I.: 3.85%-45.47%). The antimicrobial resistance patterns between the two groups were comparable., Conclusion: Endophthalmitis caused by the biofilm-forming bacteria needs a greater number of surgical interventions. The anatomic and functional outcomes are poorer than non-biofilm-forming bacterial endophthalmitis. The increased virulence and poorer outcomes can be hypothesized to be due to the physical barrier effect of the biofilm on the antibiotics., Competing Interests: None

Infectious endophthalmitis is a serious and vision-threatening complication of commonly performed intraocular surgeries such as cataract surgery. The occurrence of endophthalmitis can result in severe damage to the uveal and other ocular tissues even among patients undergoing an uncomplicated surgical procedure. If the infections result from common factors such as surgical supplies, operative or operation theater-related risks, there can be a cluster outbreak of toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) or infectious endophthalmitis, leading to several patients having an undesirable outcome. Since prevention of intraocular infections is of paramount importance to ophthalmic surgeons, the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) has taken the lead in the formation of a National Task Force to help ophthalmic surgeons apply certain universal precautions in their clinical practice. The Task Force has prepared a handy checklist and evidence-based guidelines to minimize the risk of infectious endophthalmitis following cataract surgery., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the clinical presentations, microbiology, and management outcomes of post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis, with and without intracameral moxifloxacin prophylaxis., Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective, consecutive, comparative case series. Records of consecutive cataract surgery from January 1, 2015, till June 30, 2020, were analyzed. The cases that developed endophthalmitis were analyzed. The endophthalmitis cases were divided by their prophylaxis treatment into two groups: with intracameral moxifloxacin (ICM) and without (N-ICM). Inclusion criteria were (1) age ≥ 18 years, (2) cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation, (3) endophthalmitis within 6 weeks of cataract surgery, and (4) cataract surgery in the institute by any of the three methods-phacoemulsification, manual small incision cataract surgery, and extracapsular cataract extraction., Results: In the study period, 66,967 cataract surgeries were performed; 48.7% (n = 32,649) did not receive ICM. There was no difference between the N-ICM and ICM groups in the incidence of clinical (n = 21, 0.064% and n = 15, 0.043%; P = 0.23) and culture proven (n = 19, 0.033% and n = 11, 0.023%; P = 0.99) endophthalmitis, respectively. Greater number of patients in the N-ICM group had lid edema (76.2% vs. 40%; P = 0.03), corneal edema (71.4% vs. 33.3%; P = 0.03) and lower presenting vision with available correction (logMAR [logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution] 1.26 ± 1.2 vs. logMAR 0.54 ± 0.85; P = 0.02). The final best-corrected visual acuity following treatment was worse in the N-ICM group (logMAR 1.26 ± 1.2 vs. 0.54 ± 0.85; P = 0.02)., Conclusion: Endophthalmitis after intracameral moxifloxacin may have relatively milder signs and symptoms and may respond better to treatment., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: Intraocular infection in patients with COVID-19 could be different in the presence of treatment with systemic corticosteroid and immunosuppressive agents. We describe the epidemiology and microbiological profile of intraocular infection in COVID-19 patients after their release from the hospital., Methods: We analyzed the clinical and microbiological data of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients from April 2020 to January 2021 presenting with features of endogenous endophthalmitis within 12 weeks of their discharge from the hospital in two neighboring states in South India. The data included demography, systemic comorbidities, COVID-19 treatment details, time interval to visual symptoms, the microbiology of systemic and ocular findings, ophthalmic management, and outcomes., Results: The mean age of 24 patients (33 eyes) was 53.6 ± 13.5 (range: 5-72) years; 17 (70.83%) patients were male. Twenty-two (91.6%) patients had systemic comorbidities, and the median period of hospitalization for COVID-19 treatment was 14.5 ± 0.7 (range: 7-63) days. Infection was bilateral in nine patients. COVID-19 treatment included broad-spectrum systemic antibiotics (all), antiviral drugs (22, 91.66% of patients), systemic corticosteroid (21, 87.5% of patients), supplemental oxygen (18, 75% of patients), low molecular weight heparin (17, 70.8% of patients), admission in intensive care units (16, 66.6% of patients), and interleukin-6 inhibitor (tocilizumab) (14, 58.3% of patients). Five (20.8%) patients died of COVID-19-related complications during treatment for endophthalmitis; one eye progressed to pan ophthalmitis and orbital cellulitis; eight eyes regained vision >20/400. Fourteen of 19 (73.7%) vitreous biopsies were microbiologically positive (culture, PCR, and microscopy), and the majority (11 patients, 78.5%) were fungi., Conclusion: Intraocular infection in COVID-19 patients is predominantly caused by fungi. We suggest a routine eye examination be included as a standard of care of COVID-19., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: To evaluate (i) the distribution of postoperative endophthalmitis (POE) in patients who underwent cataract surgery, (ii) risk factors in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients, and (iii) distribution of POE in those who had undergone rapid reduction of preoperative blood sugar levels versus those with normal blood sugar levels., Methods: Medical records were reviewed from January 1995 to July 2021. In total, 391 eyes of 391 patients who developed POE after cataract surgery were studied. Patients with POE were divided into Group A, patients with diabetes (n = 128), and Group B, patients without diabetes (n = 263), and the associations of various clinical factors in the two groups were studied. Patients with diabetes with raised random blood sugars (RBS) preoperatively were subjected to a rapid reduction of blood sugar (RBS <200 mg%) to be considered eligible for surgery. Microbiological profile of patients was examined., Results: The cumulative incidence of POE over 26 years was 0.09%. Those who underwent a rapid reduction in preoperative blood sugar levels had higher rates of POE (53.1%) compared with (46.9%) those with blood sugar levels under control (P = 0.486). Men with diabetes had 1.634 times higher odds of POE (P = 0.048), and those with diabetes and hypertension had 3.961 times greater odds of having POE (P < 0.001) when adjusted for age, alcohol, smoking, and socioeconomic strata and presence of posterior capsule rupture. Positive culture results were observed in 45/128 (35%) patients with diabetes and 71/263 (27%) patients without diabetes. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most commonly identified organism and was detected in 10/45 (22%) in those with diabetes and 21/71 (29%) in those without diabetes of all the culture-positive cases., Conclusion: In patients with POE, the odds are greater for men with diabetes, those with a history of hypertension, as well as those who undergo a rapid reduction of preoperative blood sugar., Competing Interests: None

Competing Interests: None

Aim: This study aimed to profile the clinical features and demographics of patients with endophthalmitis in a tertiary care center, Western region, Saudi Arabia. We used a retrospective cross-sectional case series at King Abdulaziz University Hospital., Materials and Methods: Endophthalmitis was diagnosed in a total of 14 eyes of 14 patients treated in our hospital between 2002 and 2018. The patients' medical records were reviewed to gather demographic and clinical data., Results: The mean age of patients was 52.8 ± 19.2 years, and 50% of patients were male. The majority of endophthalmitis cases were post-ophthalmic surgery (50%), 35.7% were of endogenous origin, 7.2% were associated with corneal ulcer with perforation, and 7.2% were post open globe injury. Patients' admission to the hospital ranged from 2 to 10 days from symptoms occurrence with a median of 5 days. Half of the patients presented with no light perception vision, counting fingers in 14.2%, hand motion in 14.2%, light perception in 7.2%, and 20/300 in 7.2%. The final visual outcome improved in four cases (28.5%) with best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 reached in one patient., Conclusion: Post- ophthalmic surgery and endogenous endophthalmitis were the most common causes of endophthalmitis among our patients, with late presentation to the hospital and poor vision at presentation also being common findings. These findings highlight the necessity of proper patient education, after care and adherence to sterile techniques in ensuring that patients recover successfully from ophthalmic surgery., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: To compare the post-cataract endophthalmitis (PCE) rates among eyes undergoing syringing or regurgitation on pressure over the lacrimal sac (ROPLAS) test prior to cataract surgery., Methods: We performed a single-center, retrospective, comparative analysis of eyes developing PCE who underwent syringing prior to cataract surgery (group A) in the pre-COVID-19 era between November 1 2019 and January 31, 2020 and the eyes that underwent ROPLAS test prior to cataract surgery (group B) in the COVID-19 era between November 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021., Results: A total of 87,144 eyes underwent cataract surgery during the two time periods of the study. Syringing was performed in 48,071 eyes, whereas ROPLAS was performed in 39,073 eyes. In group A, 19 eyes (0.039%) developed PCE, whereas 20 eyes (0.051%) developed PCE in group B (P = 0.517). Between the two groups, the grade of anterior chamber cellular reaction (P = 0.675), hypopyon (P = 0.738), and vitreous haze (P = 0.664) were comparable. Gram-positive organisms were detected in 4 eyes in group A and 6 eyes in group B; 2 eyes in group A had gram-negative bacilli. The presenting visual acuity (Group A: LogMAR 1.42 and Group B: LogMAR 1.30) and final visual acuity (Group A: LogMAR 0.52 and Group B: LogMAR 0.5) were comparable between the two groups. (P = 0.544 and 0.384, respectively)., Conclusion: The rates of PCE were comparable among the eyes undergoing either syringing test or ROPLAS prior to cataract surgery., Competing Interests: None

Competing Interests: None

Purpose: To report endogenous fungal endophthalmitis, postrecovery from severe COVID-19 infection in otherwise immunocompetent individuals, treated with prolonged systemic steroids., Methods: Retrospective chart review of cases with confirmed and presumed fungal endogenous endophthalmitis, following severe COVID-19 disease, treated at two tertiary care referral eye institutes in North India., Results: Seven eyes of five cases of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis were studied. All cases had been hospitalized for severe COVID-19 pneumonia and had received systemic steroid therapy for an average duration of 42 ± 25.1 days (range 18-80 days). All the cases initially complained of floaters with blurred vision after an average of 6 days (range 1-14 days) following discharge from hospital. They had all been misdiagnosed as noninfectious uveitis by their primary ophthalmologists. All eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with intravitreal antifungal therapy. Five of the seven eyes grew fungus as the causative organism (Candida sp. in four eyes, Aspergillus sp. in one eye). Postoperatively, all eyes showed control of the infection with a marked reduction in vitreous exudates and improvement in vision., Conclusion: Floaters and blurred vision developed in patients after they recovered from severe COVID-19 infection. They had received prolonged corticosteroid treatment for COVID-19 as well as for suspected noninfectious uveitis. We diagnosed and treated them for endogenous fungal endophthalmitis. All eyes showed anatomical and functional improvement after PPV with antifungal therapy. It is important for ophthalmologists and physicians to be aware of this as prompt treatment could control the infection and salvage vision., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal moxifloxacin injections in the treatment of acute post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis with visual acuity equal to or greater than hand movements., Methods: Fifty two patients with post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis who presented within 6 weeks with visual acuity equal to or greater than hand movements received two intravitreal moxifloxacin injections 48 h apart. Patients with prior history of ocular disease or treatment were excluded. Patients were followed up to 3 months either for resolution of endophthalmitis or worsening of disease. Number of patients who achieved visual acuity equal to or better than 20/40 and 20/200 at the third-month follow-up visit were compared with the number of patients at presentation, using Chi-square test. In addition, pretreatment LogMAR visual acuity at the time of presentation was compared with posttreatment visual acuity at end of third month using paired t test., Results: Fifty (96.15%) patients showed complete resolution of endophthalmitis while three patients required vitrectomy. Forty-one (78.85%) and 49 (94.23%) patients achieved visual acuity equal to or better than 20/40 and 20/200, respectively, at the third-month follow-up visit as compared to eight (15.38%) and 13 (25%) patients, respectively, at presentation (P < 0.05). In addition, mean LogMAR visual acuity at the time of presentation was 0.755 which improved to 0.307 at the third-month follow-up visit (P < 0.05). None of the patients developed hypersensitivity reactions to intravitreal moxifloxacin., Conclusion: Intravitreal moxifloxacin injections showed promising results in acute post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: To evaluate the clinico-microbiological profile, donor cornea risk factors, and outcomes of postkeratoplasty endophthalmitis at a tertiary care center., Methods: Retrospective analysis of charts of 28 consecutive patients (28 eyes) of acute endophthalmitis following either an endothelial keratoplasty (EK) or an optical penetrating keratoplasty (PK) surgery, performed between 2006 and 2018 (13-year period). Positive microbiology, identification and classification of predisposing factors, surveillance of utilized paired donors, treatment outcomes, and differences in the rate and severity of the event between optical penetrating and endothelial keratoplasty., Results: The estimated incidence of endophthalmitis was 0.23% in the entire cohort; it was 0.34% and 0.15%, after EK and PK, respectively (P = 0.049). The median time of endophthalmitis was 4.5 days postsurgery. Donor-related endophthalmitis was recognized in 7/28 (25%) eyes. Culture positivity was 68% (n = 19 of 28). Bacteria was isolated in 84% (n = 16 of 19) instances; Gram-negative bacilli were more common (87.5%; 14 of 16), and Pseudomonas species (50%; 7 of 14) was the most common Gram-negative bacterium. Majority (>75%) of the Gram-negative bacteria were resistant to all fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, 3 rd generation cephalosporins, and meropenam; 1/3 rd were resistant to imipenem; and 90% were sensitive to colistin. Treatment included intraocular antibiotic injections (96.4%), vitrectomy (42.9%), and therapeutic keratoplasty (50%). In 85.7% (24 of 28), globe was salvaged. The final vision was 20/200 or better in 39.1% (9 of 23) eyes., Conclusion: EK carried a higher risk of endophthalmitis than PK in this cohort. Bacterial infection was more common in this series, with Gram negative bacilli being the commonest organisms. Multidrug resistance was common (~75%) in Gram negative isolates., Competing Interests: None

Competing Interests: None

Competing Interests: None

Purpose: To describe the outcomes of endophthalmitis with opaque cornea managed with primary endoscopic vitrectomy and secondary keratoplasty., Methods: Retrospective consecutive interventional case series. All cases of endophthalmitis with opaque cornea which underwent endoscopic vitrectomy followed by secondary keratoplasty were analyzed. The study period was from Jan 2015 to March 2019. The outcome measures were resolution of infection, the magnitude of unnecessary keratoplasties avoided and corneal graft survival. The final anatomic and functional outcomes were reported and compared with relevant literature., Results: Seventy-eight eyes of 78 patients underwent endoscopic pars plana vitrectomy for endophthalmitis with the opaque cornea, of these 14 eyes of 14 patients were deemed eligible for further corneal intervention and were included in the study. The mean age at presentation was 42.27 ± 21.6 years (median 36 years). Etiology-wise, eight cases (57.14%) were post-trauma, three cases (21.42%) post-keratoplasty, two cases (14.28%) were endogenous, and one case (7.14%) following corneal dermoid excision and wound melt. Culture positivity was in 5/14 (35.71%). The mean interval between endoscopic vitrectomy and keratoplasty was 5.42 ± 2.69 months (median 3.5 months). The mean follow-up noted was 20.42 ± 11.45 months (median 17.5 months). The infection resolved in 100% of cases. Unnecessary keratoplasties were avoided in 64/78 (82%) cases due to the primary endoscopic intervention. The favorable anatomic outcome was seen in 11/14 (78.57%) of cases and favorable functional outcome in 8/14 (57.14%) cases., Conclusion: Endoscopic vitrectomy allows for early intervention in endophthalmitis with the opaque cornea. This facilitates early settlement of infection, globe preservation, greater graft survival, and lesser repeat posterior segment procedures., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: To compare the five-year incidence of acute post-operative endophthalmitis following cataract surgery, between centers with and without laminar air flow and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in operating rooms., Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of patients operated in a single network of a tertiary and four secondary hospitals across north India. Cases of endophthalmitis were identified from the records between January 2013 and June 2018. Protocols and consumables were standardized across all hospitals. The only infrastructural difference being the presence of laminar air flow and high energy particulate air filters in operating rooms of the tertiary center. The type of surgery, along with the demographic and socio-economic details, were captured and analyzed, using z-test for proportions and logistic regression., Results: Out of 88,297 cataract surgeries conducted, 36 cases of endophthalmitis were reported. The incidence of endophthalmitis across the network was estimated to be 0.041%, (95% CI: 0.027 to 0.054). There was no statistically significant difference between the incidence of POE at the tertiary (0.042%) and secondary centers (0.039%). Certain risk factors for high endophthalmitis incidence were identified, namely patients undergoing small incision cataract surgery and belonging to lower socio-economic status. However, for both factors the difference was not statistically significant., Conclusion: The five-year incidence of acute post-operative endophthalmitis in our network was found comparable to the best reported in literature. Incidence at secondary centers, without laminar air flow and high energy particulate air filters was found comparable to that in the tertiary center having these facilities., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: Intracameral antibiotics are known to reduce the incidence of acute endophthalmitis. Various drugs are available for intracameral use. This prospective study was carried out to compare the efficacies of intracameral cefuroxime and moxifloxacin prophylaxis in reducing the incidence of acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in rural India., Methods: This was a prospective, nonrandomized, comparative, interventional study. Between October 2016 and March 2018, 15 eye care facilities spread over four Indian states were preselected to use either of the intracameral antibiotics, cefuroxime or moxifloxacin, following cataract surgery (phacoemulsification or manual small incision cataract surgery, SICS). The main outcome measure was the occurrence of acute clinical endophthalmitis within six weeks of the surgery. This was compared with the earlier rate of endophthalmitis in the same locations., Results: The study was done in 42,466 eyes. Of the total, 42.2% received intracameral cefuroxime and 57.8% received intracameral moxifloxacin. SICS was performed more often. Clinical acute endophthalmitis occurred in 15 eyes. This accounted to a 72.22% reduction, from the earlier 0.126% to 0.035%, of postcataract surgery acute endophthalmitis. The reduction in the incidence of endophthalmitis after intracameral cefuroxime was 0.017% and that after intracameral moxifloxacin was 0.049%. With either intracameral antibiotics, the reduction in incidence was statistically significant (P < 0.001), but not between the molecules. Intracameral cefuroxime showed 66.67% reduction and intracameral moxifloxacin showed 74.74% reduction., Conclusion: A 3.6-fold decrease in postcataract surgery endophthalmitis was observed upon the use of intracameral antibiotics in rural India. Both intracameral cefuroxime and moxifloxacin proved efficacious., Competing Interests: None

We report a rare case of Pseudomonas stutzeri endophthalmitis in an immunocompetent individual along with the review of the literature. A 39-year-old healthy lady presented with sudden painful loss of vision in her right eye. She was diagnosed with postcataract surgery acute endophthalmitis and underwent vitrectomy, intraocular lens explantation and intravitreal antibiotics. P. stutzeri was isolated from vitreous. Though the infection was controlled, the anatomy of the eye could not be salvaged and the right eye became phthisical. P. stutzeri is a rare cause of endophthalmitis with usually poor outcomes., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: The study aims to analyze risk factors for exposure of orbital implants after evisceration by comparison of patients with and without exposure of implants., Methods: This is a case control study in retrospective interventional case series; Group A- implant exposures after evisceration, Group B - Patients on follow up after evisceration with implant, without exposure, with matched duration of follow up. The sample size is calculated for a power of 80., Results: Group A comprised 32 sockets with implant exposure, presenting at median 18 months after surgery; Group B included 61 eviscerated sockets, without implant exposure, with follow up median 36 months. Odds Ratio (OR) was calculated; infected eyes -OR 1.3, P = 0.6; phthisical eye - OR 1.4, P = 0.43; multiple prior surgeries- OR 1.55, P = 0.33. Group A had 59.3% porous implants, Group B 55.7%, - OR 1.3, P = 0.5. Mean implant size in Group A 19.06 mm, Group B 18.78 mm- showed no statistical difference. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed no significant risk factor for exposure. Surgeon factor was not analyzed since there were multiple surgeons., Conclusion: This is the first study with calculated sample size, comparing implant exposure patients to a control group. Porous implant material, presence of infection, phthisical scleral shell, and prior surgery showed higher trend of exposure (Odds ratio >1), but none was conclusive. Larger size of implant was not a risk factor for exposure. Eliminating the role of several factors in implant exposure allows the surgeon to make better surgical choices: such as place an implant of appropriate size, of a material of surgeon's choice, and do primary placement of implant in a patient with evisceration post-corneal ulcer or endophthalmitis. A hypothesis and a recommendation is that meticulous attention be paid to surgical technique., Competing Interests: None

Purpose: To describe clinical presentations and comparative outcomes of primary versus deferred intraocular lens (IOL) explantation in delayed-onset endophthalmitis., Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 77 eyes of 77 patients that were diagnosed clinically as delayed-onset endophthalmitis and underwent IOL explantation from January 1990 to January 2018 were included undiluted vitreous biopsy and IOL were subjected to microbiologic evaluation. Duration of symptoms, presenting visual acuity, organisms isolated, time to IOL explantation, time to endophthalmitis, resolution after explantation, number of repeat intravitreal injections, and final visual acuity were compared in the primary and the deferred IOL explantation groups., Results: There were primary and deferred IOL explantations. Interval between inciting event and endophthalmitis, between onset of symptoms to presentation, total follow-up, complication rate, and final visual acuity was comparable between the two groups. Median time to IOL explantation in the deferred group was 70 days. Between the primary and deferred IOL explantation groups the number of repeat intravitreal injections was 0.58 ± 0.86 and 2.62 ± 1.78 respectively, (P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval, CI 2.00-2.22); the number of days to resolution after IOL explantation was 35.16 ± 14.26 and 55.5 ± 8.24 respectively, (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 15.22-25.45)., Conclusion: Early IOL explantation in delayed-onset endophthalmitis causes faster clinical resolution and reduces the number of repeat intravitreal injections. Final visual improvement, however, may be unaffected., Competing Interests: None

Occurrence of postoperative cluster endophthalmitis is a nightmare for the operating surgeon, the involved hospital, and the patients. Due to its multifactorial etiology, surveillance of such an event is extremely important to identify the causative factor and to prevent recurrences in future. For surveillance, a team of ophthalmologists and microbiologists is often appointed by the local health department, and it is imperative that this team investigates thoroughly, reports appropriately safeguarding the interests of all, and also suggests remedial measures for future. Much literature is available on postoperative endophthalmitis and sterilization and disinfection protocols, but to the best of our knowledge, there is none to guide the surveillance team regarding the conduct of the entire process of investigation in the case of such unfortunate incidents. Through this article, we have made an attempt to formulate recommendations for expert teams investigating cases of postoperative cluster endophthalmitis., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest

Candidemia is a rare adverse event of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). To date, several case reports of post-ERCP candidemia have been reported. Recently, we experienced a case of disseminated candidemia caused by Candida albicans with secondary complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, and hematogenous candidal endophthalmitis following ERCP in a young healthy patient without well-recognized risk factors for candidemia. After intravenous and intravitreal antifungal therapy and intensive care, the candidemia resolved, and the patient was discharged without further sequela. The present case alerted us to consider candidemia as a rare but potentially fatal adverse event of ERCP, even in an immunocompetent host., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest

Purpose: The aim of this study is to establish the safety of storage and reuse of bevacizumab vials for 1 week with multiple vial punctures., Methods: This was an experimental microbiological study conducted at tertiary care hospital. The study samples included bevacizumab vials that had been used for injecting patients by the pooling method. Vials were stored and sampled in a manner that replicated their proposed clinical use. Contamination of vials was evaluated on the basis of microbial culture and validated by positive and negative controls. The probability of obtaining such results purely by chance was calculated., Results: A total of 210 samples from 30 vials were evaluated along with 210 positive and 210 negative controls. No growth was seen in any of the bevacizumab samples. The probability of obtaining 210 consecutive sterile samples just by chance is <5.547 × 10-6 (0.000005547)., Conclusion: The vials showed no contamination on storage for 7 days in an ordinary refrigerator. Thus, we conclude that the rate of contamination of bevacizumab vials on storage for 7 days in a refrigerator is likely to be insignificant. The results need to be validated by other studies replicating this protocol.

Endophthalmitis following intraocular surgery is a disastrous complication and can lead to poor visual outcomes and loss of globe integrity. It should be differentiated from toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) where management differs drastically. This article presents basic knowledge about postoperative endophthalmitis and describes nine different real-world scenarios ranging from TASS to milder forms of endophthalmitis responding to intravitreal antibiotics alone and more complicated forms associated with corneal involvement, fungal endophthalmitis and cases requiring intraocular lens removal, radical vitrectomy with hyaloid peeling, base dissection, and silicone oil. A case-based approach is followed where practical considerations have been adopted with each case such that it facilitates the readers' ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life clinical situations.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the current antibiotic prophylaxis practice patterns for cataract surgery in India., Methods: This was a questionnaire-based E-survey carried out at a tertiary eye care center in India. An E-mail invitation to complete an online 20 point questionnaire survey was sent to all members of the All India Ophthalmological Society with valid E-mail addresses using a digital E-mail service. Duplicate entries were prevented., Results: Out of 1228 total respondents (8.2%) who completed the survey 38% reported using routine intracameral (IC) antibiotic prophylaxis. Another 7% place antibiotics in the irrigating solution. Of those using IC antibiotic prophylaxis, 91% adopted this practice within the past 2 years; 92% are using moxifloxacin with 56% using a commercially available moxifloxacin formulation. Those predominantly performing phacoemulsification (43% vs. 25% performing mostly manual small incision cataract surgery, P < 0.001) and more than 500 cataract surgeries annually (45% vs. 33%, P < 0.001) reported greater use of IC moxifloxacin. Self-reported endophthalmitis rates were statistically significantly greater in those not using IC antibiotics (0.045% vs. 0.036, P = 0.04). Although a majority of respondents believe that IC antibiotics are an important option (54%) and that it is important to have a commercially available solution (68%), many believe that other antibiotic prophylaxis methods are sufficient (31%)., Conclusion: IC antibiotic prophylaxis for cataract surgery has sharply increased in India. In contrast to the West, intraocular moxifloxacin, which is commercially available in India, is preferred by the vast majority of users.

The current evidence of postoperative endophthalmitis management in three important components of care-infection control, inflammation control, and prevention was reviewed, and their current relevance and application in an Indian context were evaluated. The publications from India indicated that Gram-negative bacterial and filamentous fungal infections are relatively higher. There are increasing instances of resistance to ceftazidime by Gram-negative microorganisms. Intravitreal dexamethasone limits inflammation in bacterial endophthalmitis when given together with the intravitreal antibiotics. Intracameral antibiotic could reduce postcataract surgery infection at least in less rigorous surgical environment. Systematic collection of data and periodic evaluation of the current practice against the new evidence are necessary to prevent or treat postcataract surgery endophthalmitis.

Traumatic endophthalmitis is a devastating condition that can occur following an open globe injury and result in loss of vision. The use of prophylactic antibiotics is empirical as most surgeons fear complications associated with the same. No systematic review has been performed in English on the role of intravitreal/intracameral antibiotics in preventing traumatic endophthalmitis. We searched for randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials comparing intracameral/intravitreal antibiotics with placebos on PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library using keywords open globe/trauma/penetrating/perforating injuries endophthalmitis. The last search was on 5 May 2017. We included patients of all ages with open globe injuries who received intracameral/intravitreal antibiotics, regardless of the dose. Quality of the trials was assessed using Cochrane collaboration tools to assess the risk of bias. The main outcome measures were endophthalmitis and visual acuity. We included three trials. Overall, intravitreal/intracameral antibiotics were noted to significantly reduce the occurrence of endophthalmitis in open globe injuries (relative risk [RR] 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.57). The use of intravitreal/intracameral antibiotics did not have an effect in improving visual acuity (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.61-2.23). Two trials (Narang 2003; Soheilan 2001) were observed to have no significant effect on visual acuity while another trial (Soheilan 2007) did not list visual acuity as part of its objectives. Intracameral/intravitreal antibiotics reduce the risk of endophthalmitis in open globe injuries; although, there was no improvement in the visual acuity. We, therefore, recommend the use of intravitreal/intracameral injections in open globe injuries to prevent this devastating complication.

Aim: To compare the efficacy of postoperative topical nepafenac (0.1%) with prednisolone acetate (1%) as anti-inflammatory agents in eyes undergoing Transscleral Sutureless Vitrectomy (TSV)., Settings and Design: Prospective, double-blind, randomized, single center clinical study., Materials and Methods: Eighty eyes of 76 subjects, who underwent small gauge vitrectomy, were included in the study. The subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomized to either topical nepafenac only (Group 1) or prednisolone acetate only (Group 2), to be used as postoperative anti-inflammatory agents. The subjects were reviewed on days 1, 30, and 90. Ocular and adnexal inflammation was appropriately graded using the standardized classification. Grading of ocular pain was done on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)., Statistical Analysis: The Wilcoxon rank-sum test, using two-sided analysis, was used., Results: During the follow-up, both Group 1 and Group 2 did not have a significant difference related to the grade of the anterior chamber inflammation (P > 0.05) or adnexal inflammation (P > 0.05). Pain perception was less in the subjects in Group 1 as compared to subjects in Group 2, but was not statistically significant (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Postoperative topical nepafenac was non-inferior to prednisolone acetate in reducing postoperative ocular inflammation in eyes undergoing TSV.