Intracameral antibiotics for prophylaxis of postoperative endophthalmitis in Australia

Postoperative endophthalmitis is a severe complication which may result in loss of vision. Intracameral antibiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of this complication and are extensively used worldwide, with vancomycin, cefuroxime and moxifloxacin most commonly used. Choices in Australia are currently limited to vancomycin and cefazolin, since cefuroxime and moxifloxacin are not available. Vancomycin has been safely and effectively used in our department for more than two decades. Recent publications have risen concerns regarding the association of haemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis a potentially blinding complication with intracameral vancomycin. This concern has driven us to review the safety and efficacy of currently available antibiotics in the context of Australian practice.