Bacterial endophthalmitis following sutureless cataract surgery

K. M. Miller and B. J. Glasgow
Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA 90024-7002.

We examined a patient who developed group G streptococcal endophthalmitis following phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation and sutureless wound closure. Pathologic examination of the enucleated globe 1 month after surgery revealed an intense suppurative reaction centered in the anterior chamber and an open surgical wound filled with fibrinopurulent granulation tissue. Inadequate draping, a high number of instruments passing into and out of the eye during surgery, and wound testing for water tightness with viscoelastic substance in the eye were observed on a videotape of the surgery.