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Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the role of early pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in cases of exogenous endophthalmitis in terms of final visual outcome and to determine association between various study variables and final visual outcome.Study Design: Quasi experimental study.Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO) Rawalpindi, from Aug 2010 to May 2012.Patients and Methods: Eleven cases of exogenous endophthalmitis (post surgical/post traumatic) were managed surgically through 20 G or 23/25 G complete and early PPV. Vitreous aspirate/explanted intraocular lens (IOL) were sent for culture and sensitivity in all cases. Intra and post operative complications were recorded and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 3 months post operative interval was taken as final visual acuity.Results: Median age of study population was 55 years with male preponderance (64%). Approximately 2/3 rd of study population developed endophthalmitis within 6 weeks of surgery/trauma and 55% of patients were operated within 2 weeks of presentation. Positive culture from vitreous aspirate/IOL explant was obtained in 27% of cases. All the patients had initial BCVA in the range of counting finger (CF) at 2 meter to perception oflight (PL+). However, 18% of the patients achieved final BCVA of 6/12 or better and 64% achieved final BCVA of6/36 or better. Maculopathy (macular scar, macular pucker), corneal decompensation, corneal opacity and raisedintraocular pressure were the major complications associated with compromised visual outcome.Conclusion: With the advancement in vitreoretinal surgical techniques and availability of more sophisticated viewing and illumination systems, early and complete vitrectomy for post operative or post traumatic endophthalmitis results in favorable visual outcome and early rehabilitation.