Endophthalmitis

Endophthalmitis

Hypopyon in a patient with endophthalmitis

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

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

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

Diagnosis of endophthalmitis is primarily clinical, supported by:

• Ophthalmic examination
• Ultrasound of the eye
• Culture and sensitivity testing of intraocular fluids

Treatment

The treatment of endophthalmitis involves:

• Intravitreal injection of antibiotics
• Possible vitrectomy surgery to remove infected vitreous material
• Systemic antibiotics in some cases

Prognosis

The prognosis for endophthalmitis depends on the severity of the infection and the promptness of treatment. Early intervention is crucial to preserve vision.

Related Pages

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious diseases
• Cataract surgery