Endophthalmitis
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| Endophthalmitis | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Eye pain, redness, vision loss, swelling |
| Complications | Blindness, loss of the eye |
| Onset | Rapid, usually within a few days of infection |
| Duration | Can be acute or chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Bacterial infection, fungal infection, post-surgical |
| Risks | Eye surgery, eye trauma, intravitreal injection |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, vitreous tap, culture |
| Differential diagnosis | N/A |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Intravitreal antibiotics, vitrectomy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on promptness of treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Endophthalmitis is a severe inflammation of the interior of the eye, often caused by infection. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent vision loss.
Etiology[edit]
Endophthalmitis can be classified into two main types based on the source of infection:
- Exogenous endophthalmitis: This occurs when infectious agents enter the eye from an external source, such as after cataract surgery, intravitreal injection, or trauma.
- Endogenous endophthalmitis: This occurs when infectious agents spread to the eye from another part of the body through the bloodstream.
Clinical Features[edit]
Patients with endophthalmitis typically present with:
- Severe eye pain
- Decreased visual acuity
- Redness of the eye
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Hypopyon, which is the accumulation of white blood cells in the anterior chamber of the eye, as shown in the image.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of endophthalmitis is primarily clinical, supported by:
- Ophthalmic examination
- Ultrasound of the eye
- Culture and sensitivity testing of intraocular fluids
Treatment[edit]
The treatment of endophthalmitis involves:
- Intravitreal injection of antibiotics
- Possible vitrectomy surgery to remove infected vitreous material
- Systemic antibiotics in some cases
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for endophthalmitis depends on the severity of the infection and the promptness of treatment. Early intervention is crucial to preserve vision.
