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Review
. 2016 Jan 28:10:251-6.
doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S100429. eCollection 2016.

Antibiotic prophylaxis: different practice patterns within and outside the United States

Stephen G Schwartz  1 , Andrzej Grzybowski  2 , Harry W Flynn Jr  1
Affiliations
Review

Antibiotic prophylaxis: different practice patterns within and outside the United States

Stephen G Schwartz et al. Clin Ophthalmol. .

Abstract

Endophthalmitis remains a rare but important cause of visual loss. Prophylaxis strategies are important to reduce rates of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery, intravitreal injection, and other procedures. There is substantial variability between the US and the rest of the world. During cataract surgery, intracameral antibiotics are commonly used in many nations, especially in Europe, but are less commonly used in the US. A randomized clinical trial from the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons reported an approximately fivefold reduction in endophthalmitis rates associated with intracameral cefuroxime but these results are controversial. There are no randomized clinical trials regarding endophthalmitis associated with intravitreal injection. Topical antibiotics are commonly used in many nations, but are less commonly used in the US. At this time, there is no global consensus and it appears unlikely that additional major clinical trials will conclusively define the optimal endophthalmitis prophylaxis techniques.

Keywords: cataract surgery; endophthalmitis; intracameral antibiotic; intravitreal injection; prophylaxis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
External photograph, left eye, demonstrating acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis following cataract surgery. Notes: Vitreous cultures isolated Staphylococcus epidermidis. Following treatment, visual acuity improved to 20/25.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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