Endophthalmitis secondary to corneal sutures: series of delayed-onset keratitis requiring intravitreal antibiotics

PURPOSE: To describe 5 cases of endophthalmitis secondary to corneal sutures. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University College Hospital, Galway, Ireland. METHODS: A retrospective review was done of 5 patients who presented over a period of 19 months with suture-related bacterial keratitis that progressed to endophthalmitis. Intravitreal antibiotics were used to control the infection. RESULTS: Despite intensive topical broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment for suture-related infective keratitis, the infection progressed to endophthalmitis in all 5 patients. Intravitreal antibiotics resolved the infection. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal sutures are a risk factor for infective keratitis irrespective of their site. Suture-related keratitis may progress rapidly to endophthalmitis despite intensive topical antibiotics. Intravitreal antibiotics are indicated when endophthalmitis is present.