
What is endophthalmitis?
29 September 2022
Endophthalmitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of the eye that affects the fluids or tissues of the eyeball, including the aqueous humor and vitreous humor.
The aqueous humor is a fluid present inside the front part of the eye. Vitreous humor is the jelly-like substance present at the back of the eyeball.
The microorganisms that cause this type of infection enter the eye through an injury to the eyeball or during eye surgery. Rarely, they can also reach the eye through the bloodstream.
Endophthalmitis can be identified when the eye discharges a white or yellow fluid. The cornea may also show a white clouding.
In some cases, endophthalmitis can occur very quickly. But it can also develop slowly and remain for a long time.
What are the causes?
The two main types of endophthalmitis and their causes are:
- Exogenous endophthalmitis. It is the most common, caused by the entry of any infectious object from the outside.
- Endogenous endophthalmitis, which is less frequent. It is not caused by bacteria or fungi, instead, it starts with an infection in any part of the body that reaches the eye after some time.
What are the symptoms?
Eye infections usually appear within a few days. The most common symptoms of endophthalmitis are:
- severe eye pain that gets worse over time;
- sudden eye pain after surgery or injury to the eye;
- redness of the eyes;
- sensitivity to bright light;
- white or yellow discharge from the eyes;
- swollen eyelids;
- altered or blurred vision.
If you notice any of the symptoms of endophthalmitis, see your ophthalmologist immediately because, if not treated in time, the infection can quickly worsen.
Endophthalmitis is a medical emergency with a high risk of blindness.