THE ROLE OF EARLY VITRECTOMY IN THE TREATMENT OF FUNGAL ENDOGENOUS ENDOPHTHALMITIS.

Purpose: To review the therapeutic role of vitrectomy in fungal endogenous endophthalmitis. Methods: Six cases were identified as fungal endogenous endophthalmitis through positive cultures or clinical presentation. Results: All six cases had fungal endogenous endophthalmitis risk factors; average diagnostic delay was 7.5 days; all cases were managed with vitrectomy, intravitreal antifungals, and systemic antifungals within 24 hours of fungal endogenous endophthalmitis diagnosis. Visual acuity of 20/200 or better was achieved by 5 of 6 eyes, with 4 of those eyes achieving 20/40 or better. Conclusion: An early vitrectomy in high-risk patients may improve visual outcomes and aid in diagnosis.