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Endophthalmitis

Endophthalmitis involves swelling (inflammation) within the eyeball. It is a serious condition.

Causes

Endophthalmitis is caused by infection with bacteria or a fungus. It very often occurs as a rare complication of cataract or other eye surgery.

Symptoms

The symptoms are:

  • Decreased vision
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling of the eyelids

Call your health care provider right away if you have these symptoms after eye surgery.

References

Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 395.

de Geus SJR, Hopman J, Brüggemann RJ, Klevering BJ, Crama N. Acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery: clinical characteristics and the role of intracameral antibiotic prophylaxis. Ophthalmol Retina. 2021;5(6):503-510. PMID: 32956857 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32956857/.

Durand ML. Endophthalmitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 114.

Rodger DC, Shildkrot YE, Eliott D. Infectious endophthalmitis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 7.9.

Review Date 9/3/2021

Updated by: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.