Can Prompt Endoscopic Vitrectomy in Post-Trauma Endophthalmitis with Corneal Edema Avoid Unnecessary Keratoplasties?

Objective: To describe a series of prompt endoscopic vitrectomy in eyes with post-trauma endophthalmitis and hazy cornea.

Methods: Retrospective consecutive interventional case series. Cases of endophthalmitis with hazy cornea which underwent prompt endoscopic vitrectomy were analyzed. The study period was from August 2018 to April 2019. The final anatomic and functional outcomes are reported here.

Results: Four eyes of four patients were included. Mean age at presentation was 24.50±21.29 years (median 24 years). All cases were post-open globe injury. Microbiology showed smear positivity in 3/4 (75%) and culture positivity in 2/4 (50%). The antibiotic susceptibility was 100% for vancomycin and ceftazidime. Mean follow-up was 7.75±1.7 months (median 7.5 months). Favorable anatomic outcome was seen in 100% of cases and favorable functional outcome in 75% cases.

Conclusion: Endoscopic vitrectomy allows for early intervention in endophthalmitis post open-globe injuries. This enables early resolution of infection and avoids a need for unnecessary corneal interventions.

Keywords: corneal opacity; endoscopic vitrectomy; endoscopy; keratoplasty.