Endophthalmitis

Definition

Endophthalmitis is the term used to describe an inflammation of tissues inside the eye. This inflammation can be caused by bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus species, Streptococcus species, Gram-negative bacteria) or fungi ( e.g., Candida Aspergilla), and rarely by viruses ( e.g., Herpes Simplex or Herpes Zoster) or protozoa ( e.g., Acanthomoeba, Toxplasafi). This is a rare complication of any eye surgery.

Symptoms

• Decreased vision
• Pain
• Redness, especially after eye surgery
• Blurred vision
  

The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have endophthalmitis. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor for a complete exam.

Treatment

Treatment may include such things as vitrectomy, intraocular antibiotics and intraocular anti-inflammatory agents. Even with such aggressive treatment, it is still difficult to preserve useful vision.

Clinic Information

For more information, see the Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic and the complete Clinic Services listing of the U-M Kellogg Eye Center.