Though endophthalmitis is rare, it can, as you know, be a very serious postsurgical complication. Researchers in Germany have new evidence about the efficacy of intracameral antibiotics to lower the risk of this problem.

The doctors reviewed 311 questionnaires from medical centers, which revealed 267 cases of endophthalmitis. Antibiotics used intraocularly along with preoperative application of diluted povidone and iodine on the conjunctiva were associated with a reduced risk of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. Flushing the lacrimal drainage system, using eye shields and cutting the eye lashes did not seem to reduce the risk, however.