Optometry: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Background: Cataract surgery remains the commonest ophthalmic surgical procedure in the UK. Post-operative endophthalmitis (POE) is a sight-threatening complication. This study presents the incidence and outcomes of POE within Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (MEH) in London, UK. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, tertiary-centre study of the incidence and outcomes of POE following elective phacoemulsification cataract surgery between 2015 and 2022. Results: We report a rate of 18 out of 154 826 (0.012%) cases of POE within seven weeks of cataract surgery. The age range was 43-87 years (mean age 67.1 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1. Two cases were associated with intraoperative vitreous loss, one with anterior capsular tear extending to posterior capsular tear and the other with posterior capsular tear and dropped fragment. Two cases had a concomitant intravitreal injection, one of Triamcinolone Acetonide and the other of Dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®), to manage chronic uveitic macular oedema. The majority of samples (89.9%) resulted in Gram-positive species. A final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of Snellen 6/36 or better was achieved in 12/18 (66.67%). The time from cataract surgery to suspicion of POE ranged from 3 to 44 days (mean 15.8 days). Eight cases (44.4%) required pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Conclusions: We demonstrate an incidence of POE of 0.012% following phacoemulsification at MEH from January 2015 to December 2022. Such results are a testament to high-quality surgery, training supervision and post-operative care whilst adhering to local and international standards.

Biography

Sharmina Khan is an Consultant Eye Surgeon specialist Cataract & Lens Consultant Surgeon based in London at Moorfields Private Eye Hospital. Sharmina Khan graduated from University College London in 1998 and in 2002 went on to join the world-renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital to specialise in Ophthalmology. After this, she completed higher-specialist training in Cataract Surgery, Corneal Surgery and External Eye Disease and has worked as a Consultant in the NHS and private sectors for nearly a decade. As well as leading clinical audits in cataract surgery outcomes in the NHS, she conducts her own premium eye clinic from Moorfields Private Eye Hospital and 46 Wimpole Street, helping people improve their quality of life with clear vision and sharpened focus.