Endophthalmitis

Overview

Endophthalmitis is an infection and inflammation of the fluids inside the eye. A fungal or bacterial infection triggers a natural inflammatory response. Endophthalmitis impacts fluids of the eye, such as the vitreous and aqueous humour. The vitreous fluid, a transparent, gel-like matter, fills the space between the retina and lens, and the aqueous fluid is the clear liquid at the front of the eye between the cornea and lens.

Endophthalmitis is a severe medical condition that requires immediate medical care. If left untreated, the infection can progress and spread, leading to serious consequences such as vision loss. Panophthalmitis refers to an infection that migrates to various parts of the eyeball and even infiltrates the orbit. The name specifically given to endophthalmitis depends on the cause and how the infection developed in the first place.

Types of Endophthalmitis

• Exogenous endophthalmitis is a type of infection that occurs when something gets caught in your eye.
• Endogenous endophthalmitis is a type of infection that occurs from another area of the body that is likely to travel to the eye through the bloodstream.

Common Signs of Endophthalmitis

• Reddened eyes
• Pain in the eye
• Reduced vision
• Increased light sensitivity
• Inflamed eyelids
• Excessive water discharge from the eyes

Possible Causes of Endophthalmitis

There may be many reasons for endophthalmitis, mainly eye trauma, such as when something hard and sharp, like a tree branch, hits your eye or from a previous eye operation. Similarly, the condition may manifest from an infection in the body, usually in severely ill people.

Treatment of Endophthalmitis

When it comes to endophthalmitis, the treatment plan is designed to address the specific cause of the infection. For example, Dr. Yako may prescribe a combination of medications, such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, or antifungal medications, depending on the situation. In cases where vision is significantly affected, surgery, such as a vitrectomy, may be recommended. This procedure aims to remove all infectious material from the eye and allows for the direct injection of antifungal or antibiotic medications, offering hope for better vision.