Endophthalmitis is an acute panuveitis resulting most often from bacterial infection.

Most cases of endophthalmitis are caused by gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis or S. aureus. Gram-negative organisms can also cause endophthalmitis, tend to be more virulent, and have 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).

Endophthalmitis (Bacterial)

Endophthalmitis (Candidal)

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.

Exogenous 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, and occasionally eyelid edema.

Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion in at-risk patients, especially those with recent eye surgery or trauma. Gram stain and culture of aspirates from the anterior chamber and vitreous are standard. Patients with suspected endogenous endophthalmitis should also have blood and urine cultures.

Initial treatment includes broad-spectrum intravitreal antibiotics, most commonly vancomycinSome Trade Names
VANCOCIN
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and ceftazidimeSome Trade Names
FORTAZ
TAZICEF
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. Patients with endogenous endophthalmitis should receive both intravitreal and IV antibiotics. Therapy is modified based on culture and sensitivity results.

Vision prognosis is often poor, even with early and appropriate treatment. Patients with count-fingers or worse vision at presentation should be considered for vitrectomy and use of intraocular corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are, however, contraindicated in fungal endophthalmitis.

Last full review/revision September 2012 by Emmett T. Cunningham, Jr., MD, PhD, MPH

Content last modified October 2012