Treatment of long-term endophthalmitis developing after intraocular lens implantation in children: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: To discussed the risk factor and the management of vitrectomy for long-term endophthalmitis developing after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of long-term endophthalmitis developing after IOL implantation in children. RESULTS: Four eyes of four children were included in the study. The mean time to endophthalmitis development after IOL implantation was 3.0 ± 0.8 years. The corneal or scleral sutures may have been caused the infection. All 4 patients underwent vitrectomy and received intravitreal antibiotics with or without IOL removal. At the last follow-up, the outcomes were satisfactory; the fundus was clear, the retina remained attached, the visual acuity improved, and there were no severe complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of scleral sutures and the exposure of conceal sutures may induce the onset of long-term endophthalmitis after IOL implantation. Complete vitrectomy and appropriate use of antibiotics are effective in the treatment of long-term endophthalmitis developing after IOL implantation in children.