Purpose: The authors used the database of eyelid surgeries performed at the Phillips Eye Institute in Minneapolis, MN, to help determine the infection rate in outpatient eyelid surgery.
Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the reported cases of infections after all eyelid surgeries performed between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2004 at the Phillips Eye Institute in Minneapolis, MN.
Results: Of a total of 2,227 patients who underwent oculoplastic procedures, there was only one reported infection (0.04%).
Conclusions: The infection rate in outpatient eyelid surgery is extremely low.