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Endophthalmitis

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

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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.

Related Information

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  

Reviewed 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.

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