Intravitreal Povidone-Iodine Monotherapy as an Alternative Treatment for Exogenous Endophthalmitis in Patients With Antibiotic Allergies

Perez Negron AP, Acaba-Berrocal L, Zafar S, Al-Attar L, Berrocal MH.

J Vitreoretin Dis. 2026 Apr 13:24741264261432184. doi: 10.1177/24741264261432184.

Summary

Exogenous endophthalmitis treatment: Intravitreal 0.1cc 1.25% povidone-iodine effective in patients with antibiotic allergies — Retrospective, 7 eyes

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of intravitreal povidone-iodine as an alternative treatment for exogenous endophthalmitis in patients with antibiotic allergies.

Methods: This retrospective case series included patients with antibiotic allergies who developed exogenous endophthalmitis and received monotherapy with intravitreal 1.25% povidone-iodine (0.1 mL). Primary outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity (VA) at 3 and 6 months and treatment-related complications.

Results: A total of 7 eyes from 7 patients were included. The mean patient age was 72 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 10.5 months. The mean presenting VA was counting fingers at 4 feet (1.83 ± 0.97 logMAR), which improved to 20/160 (0.91 ± 0.99 logMAR, P = .03) at 3 months and to 20/150 (0.89 ± 1.00 logMAR, P = .03) at 6 months. Five patients (71%) regained baseline VA or better. No adverse events occurred, and no patients needed further interventions.

Conclusions: Intravitreal injection of 1.25% povidone-iodine (0.1 mL) was well tolerated and was associated with visual improvement in patients with exogenous endophthalmitis.