Treatment of long-term endophthalmitis developing after intraocular lens implantation in children: a retrospective study

Background To discussed the risk factor and the management of vitrectomy for long-term endophthalmitis developing after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children. Methods We retrospectively investigated the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of long-term endophthalmitis developing after IOL implantation in children. Results Four eyes of four children were included in the study. The mean time to endophthalmitis development after IOL implantation was 3.0 ± 0.8 years. The corneal or scleral sutures may have been caused the infection. All 4 patients underwent vitrectomy and received intravitreal antibiotics with or without IOL removal. At the last follow-up, the outcomes were satisfactory; the fundus was clear, the retina remained attached, the visual acuity improved, and there were no severe complications. Conclusions The use of scleral sutures and the exposure of conceal sutures may induce the onset of long-term endophthalmitis after IOL implantation. Complete vitrectomy and appropriate use of antibiotics are effective in the treatment of long-term endophthalmitis developing after IOL implantation in children.