Endophthalmitis

Endophthalmitis – inflammation of the inner membranes of the eye. A relatively rare condition, but potentially threatening and therefore treated as an emergency. The usual cause of endophthalmitis is post-operative infection. Endophthalmitis develops when severe inflammation covers the inner coverings of the eye.

The most common cause of endophthalmitis is a bacterial or fungal infection developed after eye surgery. Endophthalmitis is a rare disease, but without proper treatment it can adversely affect vision and, in severe cases, can even lead to complete loss of vision.

Symptoms of endophthalmitis:

• Increasing redness of the eyes;
• Swelling around the eye;
• Light sensitivity;

These symptoms progress and can lead to:

• Severe pain;
• Loss of vision.

If you have recently had a treatment, such as an injection or eye surgery, and are experiencing these symptoms, you should have your eyes checked immediately at your local eye care centre.

The causes of endophthalmitis are divided into two types:

• Exogenous endophthalmitis – an infection caused by external factors, such as bacteria from the skin of the face entering the eye, usually as a complication after eye surgery;
• Endogenous endophthalmitis – infection is caused by internal factors, when the infection spreads from internal body cavities, for example from an abscess in the eye or sinusitis.

The course of treatment for endophthalmitis will depend on the underlying cause:

• In the case of an infectious infection, antibiotics will be administered directly into the eye for treatment;
• If endophthalmitis is caused by a foreign body in the eye, it will need to be removed as soon as possible;
• You are likely to be admitted to a medical facility for monitoring and treatment of your condition. Once treatment is started, symptoms usually improve after a few days.