Description
Endophthalmitis is a rare, but vision threatening, infection of the deep structures of the eye. Most cases are bacterial but fungal, viral and parasitic infections can occur. Endophthalmitis is a complication of penetrating or blunt eye injury, foreign bodies, an infection spread through the blood or ocular surgery.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the progression of disease and the cause. They may include visual loss, eye pain, red eyes, sensitivity to light, swollen eye lids and the presence of floaters (floating shapes in the field of vision).
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. A specific ophthalmologic exam and visual testing will be performed. If a foreign body is suspected, an ultrasound may be performed. The ophthalmologist may recommend a vitreous tap (after the doctor numbs the eye, a tiny needle is inserted and fluid is withdrawn).
Tests:
Culture, Gram stain, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Vitreous tap
Specialists:
Ophthalmology
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. A specific ophthalmologic exam and visual testing will be performed. If a foreign body is suspected, an ultrasound may be performed. The ophthalmologist may recommend a vitreous tap (after the doctor numbs the eye, a tiny needle is inserted and fluid is withdrawn).
Tests:
Culture, Gram stain, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Vitreous tap
Specialists:
Ophthalmology
Treatment
Treatment depends on the state of vision and cause of the disease. Prompt treatment is necessary for the best chance to restore vision. Intravenous, intraocular (inside the eye) and topical antibiotics are used. Steroids are also used in some cases to reduce inflammation. A vitrectomy (fluid in the eye is removed and replaced with sterile fluid) may be performed in very severe cases when vision is almost completely lost.