Endophthalmitis
Endophthalmitis is a serious infection inside the eye that can develop rapidly or, less commonly, progress more slowly over time. It most often occurs after eye surgery or an injury to the eye, but infections from elsewhere in the body can also spread to the eye.
Because endophthalmitis can threaten vision, prompt evaluation and treatment are essential when symptoms develop.
Endophthalmitis can cause sudden and significant changes in the eye and vision. Symptoms may include:
- Decreased or blurry vision
- Eye pain
- Redness
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Swelling or inflammation
- White or yellow discharge
- Cloudiness of the cornea
In some cases, a collection of white blood cells may form inside the front of the eye, causing a visible white or yellow layer.
Endophthalmitis is most commonly caused by bacteria or, less frequently, fungi entering the eye. It may occur following:
- Eye surgery, including cataract surgery
- Trauma or an open injury to the eye
- Other procedures involving the eye
- An infection elsewhere in the body that spreads to the eye
Acute endophthalmitis is an ocular emergency and requires treatment as soon as possible. Treatment may include medication injected directly into the eye to fight the infection.
Depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's vision, a vitrectomy may also be necessary. During this procedure, the vitreous gel and infectious material are removed from the eye, and antibiotics or antifungal medication may be administered directly inside the eye.
