[Results of the treatment of acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery].

Since 1980, the authors have observed 56 cases of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery which they classify into three groups: A. 18 cases of forms confined to the anterior segment, which just received medical treatment; B. 37 cases of more serious forms with vitreous abscess, treated by vitrectomy; C. 1 case of fulminant form which was eviscerated. The results of group B are better than those of group A: organic: 2.7% versus 11.1% of phtisis; functional: 73% of calculable visual acuity versus 66.6%, although the initial forms had been more severe. Vitrectomy, however causes some complications such as initial detachment (16.2%) cystoïd macular oedema (11%) and vascular complications (11%). However that may be, vitrectomy has several advantages: to collect a larger amount of vitreous liquid; to mechanically eliminate the pus; a faster functional rehabilitation by lightening of the vitreous.