A recent study from Wills Eye Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania reports a 75% reduction in postoperative endophthalmitis cases over the past 2 decades. Endophthalmitis, a severe eye infection that can lead to vision loss, has seen its incidence decrease from 0.20% in 2000 to just 0.05% in 2022. This substantial decline reflects advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care, according to Leslie G. Hyman, PhD, vice chair for research at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.

The study analyzed over 5.8 million intraocular procedures conducted between 2000 and 2022, identifying 4,305 cases of endophthalmitis. While the overall infection rate has dropped, the research also revealed a decrease in the use of prompt vitrectomy, a surgery to remove the eye’s vitreous, which has traditionally been considered the best treatment option for endophthalmitis. The rate of prompt vitrectomy as a primary treatment decreased by 3.8% per year during the study period.

The findings highlight the need for further evaluation of current treatment approaches and their impact on patient outcomes. The study by Brian L. VanderBeek, MD, MPH, et al and colleagues was published in the August issue of JAMA Ophthalmology.