Endophthalmitis

When it comes to endophthalmitis, it's important to be aware of the symptoms so that you can seek treatment as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious vision loss. The most common symptoms of endophthalmitis include:

• Pain in the eye
• Redness in the eye
• Sudden decrease in vision
• Light sensitivity
• Flashing lights
• Floaters in the field of vision

These symptoms can vary depending on the type of endophthalmitis you have. For example, exogenous endophthalmitis, which is caused by an infection from outside the eye, may also cause swelling and discharge from the eye. Endogenous endophthalmitis, on the other hand, is caused by an infection that starts inside the body and spreads to the eye. This type of endophthalmitis may also cause fever and other systemic symptoms.

Other conditions can cause these symptoms as well, but it's important to be safe, so if you are experiencing these symptoms, get an appointment with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

The causes of endophthalmitis vary and can include bacterial or fungal infections, as well as complications from eye surgery or injury. But it is most commonly caused by an infection that spreads from the surrounding tissue to the eye. In this section, we'll explore the different causes of endophthalmitis and how they can affect your vision.

Endogenous endophthalmitis

Endogenous endophthalmitis is an infection that originates within the eye itself. Endogenous endophthalmitis is a rare but serious type of endophthalmitis that is caused by a systemic infection, such as sepsis, that spreads to the eye. This type of infection can occur when bacteria or fungi that are normally present in the body spread to the eye through the bloodstream. Common causes of endogenous endophthalmitis include diabetes, cancer, and a weakened immune system.

Exogenous endophthalmitis

Exogenous endophthalmitis is an infection that originates outside of the eye and spreads to the eye through a break in the eye's surface. This type of endophthalmitis is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection that spreads from the surrounding tissue to the eye. Common causes of exogenous endophthalmitis include eye surgery, an injury to the eye, and a puncture wound to the eye.

Bacterial endophthalmitis

Bacterial endophthalmitis is the most common type of endophthalmitis and is caused by a bacterial infection of the eye. This type of infection can occur as a result of a surgical complication, such as after cataract surgery, or as a result of an eye injury or trauma. Bacteria can enter the eye through a break in the cornea or through the bloodstream.

Fungal endophthalmitis

Fungal endophthalmitis is a less common but potentially more serious type of endophthalmitis that is caused by a fungal infection of the eye. This type of infection is typically seen in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes or HIV, or in people who have recently had eye surgery. Fungi can enter the eye through a break in the cornea or through the bloodstream.

Purulent endophthalmitis

Endophthalmitis can also be caused by a purulent infection, which is a more serious infection that is characterised by the presence of pus. Purulent endophthalmitis is caused by a bacterial infection that spreads from the surrounding tissue to the eye. The most common cause of purulent endophthalmitis is a penetrating injury to the eye.

If you suspect you may have endophthalmitis, or have been diagnosed with the condition, we encourage you to book a consultation with us. Our team will work with you to identify the cause of your endophthalmitis and develop a personalised treatment plan to help preserve your vision. Don't wait, book your consultation with Circle Health Group today.

Endophthalmitis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. The treatment for endophthalmitis will depend on the cause of the infection and the severity of the symptoms. At Circle Health Group, our team of specialist consultants has the expertise and experience to provide effective treatments for most instances of endophthalmitis.

Non-surgical treatments for endophthalmitis include:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are often used to treat endophthalmitis caused by bacteria. These medications work by killing the bacteria responsible for the infection. Common antibiotics used to treat endophthalmitis include vancomycin, ceftazidime, and amikacin.

Anti-inflammatory medication

Anti-inflammatory medication may be used to reduce inflammation and pain associated with endophthalmitis. These medications may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids.

Pain management

Pain management is an important aspect of endophthalmitis treatment. Your specialist consultant may prescribe pain medication to help alleviate discomfort and pain associated with the condition.

Endophthalmitis is a serious condition that requires prompt and appropriate treatment. Non-surgical treatment options, such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, can effectively manage the infection and reduce inflammation.

In some cases, however, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and preserve vision. The type of surgery will depend on the cause and severity of the infection. Your consultant ophthalmologist will discuss the best course of treatment for your specific case. Surgical treatment for endophthalmitis is typically reserved for more severe cases of the condition, or for those who do not respond well to non-surgical treatment options. The goal of surgical treatment is to remove the infected tissue and prevent further spread of the infection.

These procedures are typically used in conjunction with medical treatment, such as antibiotics, to fully address the infection.

Vitrectomy

A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye. This is done to remove any infected tissue and to prevent further spread of the infection. It is usually done when the infection is severe and has spread to the vitreous gel, or when the eye is full of blood.

We typically do the procedure under general anaesthetic and can take several hours to complete. Recovery time can vary, but most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks.

Intravitreal injection

An intravitreal injection involves injecting medication directly into the eye. This technique may be used to deliver antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication directly to the site of infection.

Pars plana lensectomy

A pars plana lensectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the lens of the eye. We typically perform this procedure when the infection has spread to the lens and is causing inflammation.

During the procedure, the lens is removed, and we fill the eye with a sterile solution. The recovery time for this procedure can vary depending on the patient's overall health and the severity of the infection.

Enucleation

Enucleation is a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire eye. We typically perform this procedure as a last resort when the infection has caused severe damage to the eye, and it is no longer possible to save it. The recovery time for this procedure can vary depending on the patient's overall health and the severity of the infection.

It's important to note that surgical treatment options for endophthalmitis may not be suitable for everyone. Our specialists will work closely with you to determine the best course of action for your individual circumstances.

We answer your commonly asked questions about endophthalmitis.

Is endophthalmitis contagious?

Endophthalmitis is not contagious, as it is typically caused by an infection that originates within the eye or is introduced during a surgical procedure. It cannot be spread from person to person through contact or other means.

Can endophthalmitis be cured?

Endophthalmitis can be treated and managed, but the outcome depends on the severity of the infection and the promptness of treatment. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the outlook can be good, but in some cases, the damage caused by the infection may be irreversible.

How long does it take to recover from endophthalmitis?

Recovery time for endophthalmitis varies depending on the severity of the infection and the promptness of treatment. In mild cases, recovery can take a few weeks, while more severe cases may take several months. In some cases, the damage caused by the infection may be irreversible and recovery may not be possible.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times and locations to suit your routine
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant fits your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your specific requirements
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard and delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about treatment for endophthalmitis, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0141 300 5009.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in January 2023. Next review due January 2026.

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6. What Is Endophthalmitis?, Healthline
7. Endophthalmitis, NIH