In reply
We thank Drs Fuller and McGwin for their kind comments and interest in our research. It makes intuitive sense that phakic status would alter the penetration pharmacokinetics of topically administered moxifloxacin into the posterior segment. We had not performed the subgroup analysis described by Drs Fuller and McGwin, and we commend them for their detailed analysis of our data.
Their analysis implies that penetration of 0.5% moxifloxacin into the posterior segment is greater in pseudophakic eyes compared with phakic eyes. Therefore, this lends further support for the use of the fourth-generation fluoroquinolones after cataract surgery for prophylaxis against endophthalmitis. Further research is warranted to truly delineate the role of the fourth-generation fluoroquinolones through various routes of administration for the treatment of or prophylaxis against intraocular infections.