The Role of Systemic Antimicrobials in the Treatment of Endophthalmitis: A Review and an International Perspective.

Systemic antimicrobials may be particularly beneficial in patients with certain types of endophthalmitis; as such, they are standard treatment in the management of endogenous endophthalmitis (fungal and bacterial) and also widely used for prophylaxis and treatment of open-globe injuries. Although systemic antimicrobials are used in some patients with acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis following cataract surgery, the literature generally does not support this practice. It is noted that there are currently no randomized clinical trials demonstrating a benefit of systemic antibiotics for any category of endophthalmitis.