Preliminary study of a new intraocular method in the diagnosis and treatment of Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis following cataract extraction.

Late endophthalmitis, due to Propionibacterium acnes, developed in three patients following uncomplicated extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOL) insertion. Cultures from the capsular bag yielded P. acnes in all three. With topical anesthesia and through an anterior chamber paracentesis, culture specimens were taken from and clindamycin irrigated into the capsular bag. Filtered 100% oxygen was introduced into the anterior chamber in two; the third also received an injection of gentamicin and dexamethasone into the capsular bag. After treatment, two patients received oral antibiotics; one received hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Visual acuity was improved and inflammation reduced in all three. However, after treatment, ocular toxic effects due to clindamycin were suspected in one. This approach offers several clear advantages, including topical anesthesia, outpatient management, elimination of the need for vitrectomy, and retention of the intraocular lens (IOL).