Clinical profile and management outcomes of endophthalmitis cases in a tertiary retina unit: A five-year retrospective study

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical spectrum, microbiological profile, and visual outcomes of endophthalmitis cases managed at a tertiary retina unit in central India over a five-year period. Methods: This retrospective study included 87 eyes of 87 patients diagnosed with endophthalmitis between January 2020 and December 2024. Demographic details, etiology, time of presentation, visual acuity, treatment modality, and culture results were recorded. All patients were managed per standard protocols with intravitreal antibiotics and/or pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), depending on etiology and visual acuity at presentation. Statistical analysis was performed to assess associations between clinical parameters and outcomes. Results: Post-traumatic endophthalmitis was the most common etiology (63.2%), followed by endogenous (17.2%), post-operative (11.5%), and corneal ulcer-related (8%). The mean age at presentation was 35.2 ± 22 years, with males comprising 68.2%. Visual acuity improved significantly post-intervention ( P = 0.008). Patients presenting within 48 hours had better outcomes compared to delayed presentations ( P = 0.023). Those who received intravitreal antibiotics prior to PPV showed significantly better visual outcomes ( P < 0.001). Culture positivity was 6.9%, with Staphylococcus species being the most common isolates. Conclusion: Post-traumatic endophthalmitis remains the leading cause in central India. Early presentation and timely intravitreal antibiotic administration significantly improve visual prognosis. These findings underscore the importance of prompt referral and intervention, especially in trauma-related cases, in optimizing outcomes and preserving vision.