eye disorders
Endophthalmitis
Introduction
Endophthalmitis is an acute panuveitis resulting most often from bacterial infection. . Endophthalmitis caused by gram-negative organisms tends to be more virulent and has a worse prognosis. Fungal and protozoan causes of endophthalmitis are rare. Most cases occur after intraocular surgery (exogenous) or penetrating ocular trauma. Less commonly, infection reaches the eye via the bloodstream after systemic surgery or dental procedures or when IV lines or IV drugs are used (endogenous). (See also Overview of Uveitis .) Endophthalmitis is a medical emergency because vision prognosis is directly related to the time from onset to treatment. Rarely, untreated intraocular infections extend beyond the confines of the eye to involve the orbit and CNS. Endophthalmitis typically causes severe ocular ache and decreased vision. Signs include Intense conjunctival hyperemia and intraocular inflammation within the anterior chamber and vitreous Loss of the red reflex Eyelid edema (occasionally) 