Control charts diagnose endophthalmitis

Control charts are an accurate way of measuring disparity in endophthalmitis following phacoemulsification, according to a study published online ahead of print by Eye.

Patrick J. T. Chiam, MRCOphth of the Eye Department, Royal Dwent Hospital, Newport, UK and colleagues conducted a ten-year retrospective analysis of variety in post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis by applying the control chart method, using specified criteria to discern any deviations of the disease. During the study period (July 1 1997–June 30 2007), 21032 cataract surgeries were performed, with an endophthalmitis incidence of 0.16%.

The researchers found that, using control charts, it was possible reliably to detect endophthalmitis much earlier in the disease progression than symptom manifestation.

The team therefore concluded that the control chart method is a safe, reliable and sensitive way to determine postoperative endophthalmitis, particularly if there are any anomalies present.