A rabbit model of endophthalmitis was established to evaluate the antiinflammatory effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to treatment for Staphylococcus epidermidis endophthalmitis. Rabbits were randomly divided into three groups to receive intravitreal injections into their left eye: group A received 0.5 mg vancomycin (100 μl), group B received 0.5 mg vancomycin + 0.2 mg dexamethasone (100 μl), and group C received 0.5 mg vancomycin (100 μl) and continuous wave semiconductor laser irradiation (10 mW, λ = 632 nm) focused on the pupil. Slit lamp examination and B-mode ultrasonography were conducted to evaluate the symptoms of endophthalmitis. Polymorphonuclear cells and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in aqueous fluid were measured at 0 h, and 1, 2, 3, 7 and 15 days. A histology test was conducted at 15 days. B-mode ultrasonography and histology revealed that groups B and C had less inflammation than group A at 15 days. Groups B and C had fewer polymorphonuclear cells and lower levels of TNF-α in aqueous fluid than group A at 2, 3 and 7 days (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups B and C (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups A, B and C at 15 days (P > 0.05). As an adjunct to vancomycin therapy to treat S. epidermidis endophthalmitis, LLLT has an antiinflammatory effect similar to that of dexamethasone.