Endophthalmitis is a severe eye infection that can result in irreversible loss of vision. The condition is caused by bacteria or fungal infection. Symptoms include redness, decreased vision, and pain. In most cases, antibiotics are given to prevent further damage. However, some people with endophthalmitis need to undergo surgery to remove the infected tissue.
Several risk factors contribute to the development of this disease. A person’s immune system is a major determinant. People with weakened immune systems should visit an eye doctor regularly and take special care of their eyes. During a comprehensive eye examination, the doctor will look for signs of endophthalmitis. If a patient exhibits any of these signs, they should seek treatment immediately to prevent further vision damage. This disease is especially common in patients who have undergone glaucoma or cataract surgery.
Patients with endophthalmitis may experience pain and swelling, along with a decrease in vision. They also have an increased redness and discharge. It can spread to the surrounding tissues of the eye, which can cause blindness if not treated. Some people also experience fever. Depending on the organism that is causing the infection, the doctor will determine the best treatment plan for the patient. Antibiotics are often given intravenously, but topical agents can also be used. Steroids are sometimes used to treat more severe cases.
Bacterial infections account for the majority of cases of endophthalmitis. However, fungi, viruses, and bacterial spores can also cause the disease. Gram-positive bacteria make up about 20% of cases of this disease. Other types of infectious endophthalmitis are called exogenous, which occur when an outside source causes the disease. Among the causes of this type of disease are injections into the eye, contaminated intraocular foreign bodies, and penetrating eye injuries.
Fungi have been associated with endophthalmitis in tropical regions. Fusarium fungi have been linked with certain brands of contact lens care solution. Candida albicans is another organism that can cause endophthalmitis. Symptoms of this disease include white lesions overlying the retina, and decreased visual acuity.
Fungi can also lead to keratitis, which is inflammation of the cornea. Fungal infections can be treated with topical and oral antibiotics. Regardless of the type of organism that is causing the disease, a timely course of treatment is important to prevent further damage. If symptoms don’t improve after treatment, the doctor should consider surgery.
Surgical endophthalmitis can be caused by any of these organisms, and a surgical incision can allow the bacteria to enter the eye. Surgical endophthalmitis is most commonly associated with cataract surgery, but other surgeries can also cause the condition. Symptoms of this disease can develop within a few days after the surgery.
Infective endophthalmitis is a rare occurrence. It is caused by a viral or bacterial infection that enters the eye through an incision in the cornea. It is usually painful, and it may affect the surrounding tissues. Symptoms can include an increase in pain, redness, and swelling. Although endophthalmitis is painful and can cause permanent blindness, it can be easily controlled if it is caught early.
