Inhibition of pseudophakic endophthalmitis in a rabbit model.

A clear lens extraction with insertion of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOL) was performed in one eye of each of 20 rabbits. An intracameral injection of 50,000 organisms of gentamicin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was given before completion of the surgical procedure. At the completion of surgery, a subconjunctival injection of either gentamicin (20 mg) or gentamicin vehicle was administered randomly, in a masked fashion, to the operative eye. Rabbits were observed daily for signs of endophthalmitis. Vitreous taps were performed on all operative eyes. Ninety percent (p = .001) of control eyes became clinically infected and 80% (p = .007) of control eyes grew S. aureus from their vitreous aspirate. None of the gentamicin-treated eyes became clinically or microbiologically infected with S. aureus.