ENDOPHTHALMITIS

This term is most commonly used to refer to infection of the inside of the eye. Infection may occur after eye surgery (approximately one per thousand cataract surgeries encounter this complication) or trauma. Endogenous endophthalmitis is infection resulting from microorganisms which enter the eye via the bloodstream. Bacteria are the most common cause, although fungi may also cause this.
Endophthalmitis is typically painful and vision may be quite poor. It is imperative that treatment be instituted as soon as possible (within hours) of making the diagnosis. Treatment generally involves injecting antibiotics into the eye, often in combination with removal of the vitreous humor, or vitrectomy.