title: Postoperative endophthalmitis: caution is the watchword.
abstract: Postoperative endophthalmitis is the most feared complication following cataract surgery. It can be caused by infection entering the eye during surgery or by inadequately cleaned instruments. Sterile phaco handpieces might retain remnants of soft lens matter or visco-elastic which might later contaminate other patients, causing inflammation in their eyes. The costs of an endophthalmitis outbreak are heavy, including poor patient outcomes, temporary theatre closure, rising waiting lists and damage to a hospital's reputation. This article raises awareness of endophthalmitis and provides useful recommendations for ophthalmic theatre personnel.
authors.affiliation: Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust/Bournemouth University.
authors.forename: Dorothy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Field
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Merrick
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000451:nursing; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D015233:Models, Statistical; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D012307:Risk Factors; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents