Our Summary

This research paper details a rare case of endophthalmitis (an inflammation inside the eye) caused by a bacterium called Abiotrophia defectiva in a 12-year-old girl. This is the first reported case of a child being affected by this bacteria in this way. The girl had previously undergone an eye surgery (penetrating keratoplasty), suffered an eye injury that required repair, and later had another eye procedure (anterior vitrectomy). The researchers suggest that with the use of advanced diagnostic techniques, we may identify more cases caused by this bacterium in the future.

FAQs

  1. What is endophthalmitis caused by Abiotrophia defectiva?
  2. How can the detection of endophthalmitis caused by Abiotrophia defectiva become more common?
  3. What is the link between penetrating keratoplasty, open globe injury repair, anterior vitrectomy, and endophthalmitis caused by Abiotrophia defectiva?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing vitrectomy to closely follow post-operative care instructions, such as using prescribed eye drops and avoiding activities that could put strain on the eyes. They may also advise the patient to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and prevent complications such as infection, which can be serious and require prompt treatment.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vitrectomy include those with:

  • Retinal detachment
  • Macular hole
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Epiretinal membrane
  • Vitreous hemorrhage
  • Intraocular foreign body
  • Complications from previous eye surgeries
  • Severe eye infections such as endophthalmitis

It is important for patients to consult with their ophthalmologist to determine if vitrectomy is the appropriate treatment option for their specific eye condition.

Timeline

Before vitrectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as floaters, flashes of light, blurred vision, or a shadow in their peripheral vision.
  • Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination, including a dilated eye exam, to determine the need for vitrectomy.
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ultrasound to further assess the condition of the retina.

After vitrectomy:

  • Patient may experience discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eye immediately following the surgery.
  • Patient will need to wear an eye patch and use eye drops as prescribed by their doctor to prevent infection and promote healing.
  • Patient will have follow-up appointments with their doctor to monitor their recovery and ensure that the eye is healing properly.
  • Over time, the patient’s vision should gradually improve as the eye heals and any underlying retinal issues are addressed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a vitrectomy and why is it being recommended for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications of a vitrectomy procedure?
  3. What is the success rate of vitrectomy in treating my specific eye condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after a vitrectomy?
  5. Will I need any follow-up appointments or ongoing treatment after the vitrectomy?
  6. How long will it take for my vision to improve after the procedure?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should be aware of after a vitrectomy?
  8. How will the vitrectomy affect my overall eye health in the long term?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures to consider instead of a vitrectomy?
  10. How can I best prepare for the vitrectomy procedure to ensure the best possible outcome?

Reference

Authors: Neves da Silva HV, Mackin A, Smith J, Ahmad M. Journal: Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2022 Feb 17;30(2):355-356. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1811349. Epub 2020 Oct 6. PMID: 33021419