The experimental and clinical use of intravitreal antibiotics to treat bacterial and fungal endophthalmitis.

The experimental data involving the use of 14 antibacterial and two antifungal agents have been used to establish a rationale for the management of human endophthalmitis. Twelve cases of endophthalmitis treated under our supervision have been described in detail. The eventual visual outcome is related to two factors: (1) time interval between diagnosis and institution of adequate therapy, and (2) the severity of the organism and its ability to produce exotoxins and proteolytic enzymes. Eleven of 12 cases were cured with the recommended dosages of gentamicin and dexamethasone (400 mcg and 360 mcg, respectively). Eight of the 12 patients retained useful vision of 20/200 or better.