Endophthalmitis is a critical eye infection that can lead to significant vision loss if left untreated. Trust the expertise of our eye doctors to provide the immediate care you need.
Endophthalmitis is a serious infection inside the eyeball that can develop rapidly and potentially lead to permanent vision loss if not treated immediately. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options to protect your vision. Our eye doctors are here to help you with expert care and personalized guidance.
Endophthalmitis refers to an infection that occurs within the internal tissues or fluids of the eye. The infection can affect either the vitreous humor or the aqueous humor, both of which are normally sterile and well protected. Because the inside of the eye is such a delicate area, any infection here is classified as a medical emergency.
Most often, endophthalmitis is caused by bacteria, though it can also be due to fungi. The condition may start very suddenly (acute endophthalmitis) or develop gradually over a longer period (chronic endophthalmitis). In either case, protecting the delicate structures of your eye is a top priority in treatment.
This is the most common type of endophthalmitis. It occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the eye from the outside. Here’s the thing: any time there is an opening in the closed, sterile environment of the eye, there is a potential risk. Exogenous endophthalmitis may develop:
When the infection develops quickly—often within a few days after the procedure or injury—it is classified as acute endophthalmitis. In contrast, a slower-developing infection is known as chronic endophthalmitis, which may be seen after specific types of bacterial or fungal infections.
In this type, the infection does not begin in the eye itself but rather spreads from another part of the body. For instance, an infection such as a urinary tract infection or sepsis can spread through the bloodstream and eventually seed the eye. People with weakened immune systems or who are already sick are at a higher risk. Although rare, endogenous endophthalmitis is a reminder of how systemic health issues can impact the eyes.
If you experience symptoms of endophthalmitis, contact us to find a top eye doctor near you for prompt attention.
Identifying the symptoms of endophthalmitis as early as possible is critical. Here’s what to look out for if you have recently undergone eye surgery, received an injection, or sustained an eye injury:
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you know you have a history of recent eye procedures or injuries, please do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention from our eye doctors.
When symptoms of endophthalmitis are present, prompt diagnosis is vital. Our eye doctors will perform a thorough eye examination which includes:
These tests help to not only confirm the diagnosis of endophthalmitis but also guide the treatment plan based on the type of infection present.
If you experience symptoms of endophthalmitis, contact us to find a top eye doctor near you for prompt attention.
Endophthalmitis is a serious eye infection that can lead to vision loss. Seek immediate care from top eye doctors to protect your sight.
