Condition
Endophthalmitis (infection inside the eye)
Medical reviewer Mr Mohamed Mohyudin· Last recorded site review
About this review
This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.
What it is
Endophthalmitis is infection of the vitreous gel and tissues inside the eye. Unlike conjunctivitis on the surface, it threatens vision rapidly and needs emergency specialist care.
Warning symptoms
Symptoms often develop within days of surgery or injury.
- Increasing pain and redness after eye surgery
- Rapidly worsening vision
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Floaters and light sensitivity
Causes
It is most associated with cataract surgery, other intraocular surgery, injections into the eye, or trauma that breaches the eye wall. Sterile technique makes it rare, but when it occurs prompt treatment is critical.
Treatment
Emergency hospital care includes samples to identify organisms and antibiotics injected into the eye, sometimes with vitrectomy surgery to remove infected gel. Outcomes are better with immediate treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is endophthalmitis an emergency?
Yes. Worsening pain, redness and vision loss after eye surgery or injury needs emergency hospital eye care immediately.
How common is endophthalmitis after cataract surgery?
It is rare thanks to modern sterile techniques, but when it happens it is serious, which is why any sudden worsening after surgery must be reported at once.
Can endophthalmitis be cured?
Prompt treatment with injected antibiotics and sometimes surgery can save vision in many cases, but delay significantly worsens outcomes.
Sources for this information
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