Utility of wound cultures in the management of open globe injuries: a 5-year retrospective review

Background Endophthalmitis after open globe injury can be devastating to vision recovery. As treatment of endophthalmitis is often empiric, some surgeons may obtain cultures at presentation of trauma in anticipation of later infection. This study examines the usefulness of wound cultures obtained during globe repair. Results Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, with 168 open globes included. Cultures of the wound site had been taken in all cases included in this study. Wound cultures were positive in 63% of cases but were not used for clinical decision-making for any patient in this study. Two patients had evidence of endophthalmitis at presentation, with results of vitreous culture matching those from the wound. No patient later developed endophthalmitis after open globe repair. Conclusions Despite a high rate of wound contamination, few cases of endophthalmitis (1.2%) were seen in this series. In no case did the results of wound culture impact choice of antibiotic prophylaxis or treatment. Cultures obtained at the time of open globe repair were not cost effective in the subsequent management of the injury.