Use of intracameral cefuroxime growing rapidly in Ireland

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Since the publication of the ESCRS endophthalmitis study, a high number of cataract surgeons in Ireland have begun using intracameral cefuroxime, according to results of a survey presented here.

"More than 50% of the surgeons have altered their practice to date, and about 36% are waiting for intracameral cefuroxime to become commercially available," said Philip O'Reilly, MD, at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting.

All 51 consultant ophthalmic surgeons in Ireland were invited to participate in the survey, and all responded to the questionnaire.

"All surgeons were aware of the ESCRS study results. Only three surgeons used intracameral cefuroxime already, while 26 adopted this practice after seeing the results of the study. The majority of them have the single doses for injection prepared by hospital pharmacies," Dr. O'Reilly said.

Of the surgeons who do not use intracameral cefuroxime, a minority do not believe it to be superior to what they currently use or feel that intracameral antibiotics are unnecessary.

"However, the majority do not use it because it is not licensed and because they are concerned of the potential drawbacks. A commercially available and biologically stable product would greatly increase the use of intracameral cefuroxime," Dr. O'Reilly said.