Timely Use of Conventional Vitrectomy and Endoscope-Assisted Vitrectomy for Endophthalmitis Following Open Ocular Trauma: A Retrospective Study of 18 Patients

BACKGROUND: Endophthalmitis, or inflammation of the internal tissues of the eye, may follow trauma and results in loss of vision if not treated promptly. Vitrectomy is used to debride the inflamed vitreous. This retrospective study aimed to compare the outcome from conventional vitrectomy (CV) and endoscope-assisted vitrectomy (EAV) performed for endophthalmitis within five days and 10 days after open ocular trauma. MATERIAL/METHODS: The clinical data from 18 patients (18 eyes) with endophthalmitis caused by open ocular trauma were analyzed at a single center. CV or EAV was performed based on the degree of vision and the involvement of the vitreous cavity. RESULTS: Of the 18 patients with endophthalmitis, seven patients underwent EAV, and 11 patients underwent CV. The number of cases with preoperative corneal laceration, edema, bleeding, and formation of corneal nebular opacity was higher in the EAV group compared to the CV group. Four patients had retinal detachment, of which three patients were treated with EAV. Seventeen patients had their sight restored by a single vitrectomy procedure. In 10 cases, the culture of the vitreous fluid was positive for infection, and eight patients had Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis infection. Follow-up showed that vitrectomy performed within five days (P=0.001) and 10 days (P=0.047) of open ocular trauma resulted in significant improvement of visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy for endophthalmitis due to open ocular trauma performed within five days of injury restored visual acuity. EAV was shown to be an effective alternative to CV.