Incidence and Clinical Course of Acute Endophthalmitis after Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane Surgery with Microincision Vitrectomy

Purpose: To investigate the incidence and clinical course of acute endophthalmitis after idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) surgery employing microincision vitrectomy (MIVS).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records eyes with developing iERM via 23- or 25-gauge MIVS from 2011 to 2021. The incidence, culture-positive rate (and responsible bacteria), final visual acuity (VA), factors affecting poor outcomes were assessed.Results: Acute developed in 20 12,921 (0.15%) MIVS. Of these, 14 3,180 treated (0.44%, one per 227 procedures) endophthalmitis; ratio (iERM versus non-iERM) was 7.1 (p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.6-22.7). At least sclerotomy remained unsutured all surgery. Thirteen (92.9%) given intravitreal antibiotic injections emergency vitrectomy, eye injection alone. Staphylococcus epidermidis cultured four (28.6%); three strains methicillin-resistant. All VAs not better than initial VAs; average VA decreased 20/42 20/259 0.001). Six (42.9%) attained legal blindness status (final 20/200); Macular invasion a unique risk factor for such 0.020, odds 35.0, CI 1.7-703.0).Conclusions: more common other retinal Approximately 40% former patients became legally blind, higher macular involvement endophthalmitis.