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Endophthalmitis

Definition

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.

Images

Bloodshot eyes

References

Durand ML. Endophthalmitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Updated Edition. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 116.

Shildkrot YE, Eliott D. Infectious endophthalmitis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 7.9.

Yanoff M, Cameron JD. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 423.

Review Date: 
8/26/2017
Reviewed By: 
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. 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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