An endophthalmitis is an infection of the vitreous fluid inside the eye, and it may cause severe pain, redness, swelling, and vision loss. Endophthalmitis is an emergency condition that must be treated as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.
Endophthalmitis can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites that enter the eye through:
An eye injury, such as a puncture wound, a foreign body, or a chemical burn
An eye surgery, such as cataract removal, glaucoma surgery, or corneal transplant
An infection in another part of the body, such as the sinuses, the teeth, or the bloodstream, that spreads to the eye
The symptoms of endophthalmitis usually develop within a few days of the eye injury or surgery, or within a few weeks of the infection in another part of the body. The symptoms may include:
Severe eye pain
Blurred or decreased vision
Sensitivity to light
Redness and swelling of the eye and eyelids
Discharge or pus from the eye
Fever and chills
To diagnose endophthalmitis, an eye doctor will examine the eye and ask about the history of the eye injury, surgery, or infection. The eye doctor may also perform some tests, such as:
A slit-lamp examination, which uses a special microscope and a bright light to look at the structures of the eye
A fundus examination, which uses a device called an ophthalmoscope to look at the back of the eye, including the retina and the optic nerve
A vitreous tap, which involves taking a small sample of the fluid inside the eye for laboratory analysis
An ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create an image of the eye and detect any abnormalities
The treatment of endophthalmitis depends on the cause and severity of the infection. The treatment may include:
Antibiotics, antifungals, or antiparasitics, which are given as eye drops, injections, or pills to kill the microorganisms causing the infection
Steroids, which are given as eye drops or injections to reduce inflammation and swelling
Vitrectomy, which is a surgery that removes the infected vitreous and replaces it with a clear fluid or a gas bubble
Enucleation, which is a surgery that removes the entire eye if the infection is too severe and the vision is beyond recovery
Endophthalmitis can be prevented by taking some precautions, such as:
Wearing protective eyewear when working with sharp objects, chemicals, or animals
Seeking immediate medical attention for any eye injury or infection
Following the instructions of the eye doctor after any eye surgery, such as using the prescribed eye drops, avoiding rubbing or touching the eye, and keeping the eye clean and dry
Practicing good hygiene, such as washing the hands frequently, especially before and after touching the eye
Treating any infection in another part of the body, such as the sinuses, the teeth, or the bloodstream, as soon as possible
When left untreated, endophthalmitis can result in permanent vision loss. Because of this, it is important to recognize the symptoms and seek medical assistance as soon as possible. In most cases, endophthalmitis can be cured and vision preserved with proper treatment.
