Endophthalmitis is significant inflammation inside of the eye. Inflammation affects the
vitreous fluid in center of the eye. The inflammation can extend to surrounding tissues
responsible for vision such as the retina. Endophthalmitis is rare. Endophthalmitis is
very serious and can lead to permanent loss of vision.
In most cases, an infection is the cause of endophthalmitis. Bacteria, fungi, viruses or
parasites are the possible infectious causes.
In the North America, most cases result from a bacterial infection that follows eye
surgery. For example, people may develop endophthalmitis following cataract surgery,
glaucoma surgery, vitreous surgery or an intra-vitreal injection. The bacterial enter the
eye through the incision made to perform the procedure despite all efforts to prevent
this.
Bacteria also can enter the eye through an injury that pierces the eye. Less often, an
infection from elsewhere in the body can travel to the eye through the blood.
The most common symptoms are loss of vision and pain. Additional symptoms vary and
depend on what caused the eye infection. Early symptoms can include: a dramatic
decrease in vision in the affected eye, pain that worsens after surgery, red eyes, and
swollen eyelids Endophthalmitis will be diagnosed by your retinal surgeon (or other eye care
professional) during an examination.
Treatment
There are many variables leading to the treatment decision for endophthalmitis.
Most commonly, if infection is thought to be the cause, antibiotics will be injected into
the affected eye. The retinal surgeon may also choose to inject corticosteroids at the
same time to try to decrease the amount of inflammation. Drops and oral medication
may also be used. Depending on how your eye responds to treatment, further surgery
such as a vitrectomy may be suggested. You will have frequent eye exams to monitor
whether the treatment is improving your vision or not.
