Panophthalmitis

Panophthalmitis is a severe, often devastating, inflammation of the eye and its surrounding tissues. It is usually caused by an infection that has spread to the eye from another part of the body. This condition can lead to loss of vision and even loss of the eye itself if not treated promptly and aggressively.

Causes

The most common cause of panophthalmitis is a bacterial infection that has spread to the eye. This can occur as a result of a penetrating eye injury, a severe eye infection, or a systemic infection that has spread to the eye. Other causes can include fungal or viral infections, and in rare cases, parasitic infections.

Symptoms

The symptoms of panophthalmitis can vary depending on the cause and severity of the infection. They can include:

• Severe eye pain
• Redness and swelling of the eye and surrounding tissues
• Decreased or loss of vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Discharge from the eye
• Fever and general malaise

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of panophthalmitis is usually made based on the clinical symptoms and a thorough examination of the eye. This can include a slit lamp examination, which allows the doctor to examine the structures of the eye in detail. In some cases, laboratory tests may be needed to identify the specific organism causing the infection.

Treatment

The treatment of panophthalmitis usually involves aggressive antibiotic therapy to fight the infection. This can include both systemic antibiotics (given by mouth or through a vein) and topical antibiotics (applied directly to the eye). In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove infected tissue and to prevent the spread of the infection.

Prognosis

The prognosis for panophthalmitis can vary depending on the cause and severity of the infection, as well as the timeliness and effectiveness of treatment. With prompt and aggressive treatment, it is sometimes possible to save the eye and preserve some degree of vision. However, in severe cases, the infection can lead to loss of the eye and permanent blindness.

See also

• Endophthalmitis
• Orbital cellulitis
• Ocular trauma
• Eye infection

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