Vitreous cultures grew Streptococcus pneumoniae , Haemophilus influenzae , and Staphylococcus aureus . Within 6 months of strabismus surgery, visual acuity was no light perception in all eyes and 3 eyes had been enucleated. The 3 remaining eyes were prephthisical. Conclusions Endophthalmitis after pediatric strabismus surgery is rare. Children may not recognize or verbalize symptoms.
Causative organisms are virulent.
Visual and anatomical outcomes are poor. Lethargy, asymmetric eye redness, eyelid swelling, or fever in the postoperative period, even if initial postoperative examination results are normal, should prompt urgent ocular examination. The diagnosis of endophthalmitis may be made when biomicroscopic or indirect ophthalmoscopic examination confirms the presence of vitreous opacification with or without hypopyon. Accepted for publication April 6, 2000. All rights reserved.