endophthalmitis
Pronunciation: en-do-thal-my-tis
Severe intraocular infection involving the vitreous and potentially other eye structures.
Full Definition
Endophthalmitis is a serious intraocular infection that involves the vitreous cavity and may extend to other structures within the eye. It can be classified as acute or chronic, and as exogenous (following surgery or trauma) or endogenous (from bloodstream seeding). Acute postoperative endophthalmitis typically presents within days to weeks after surgery with severe pain, decreased vision, and inflammatory signs. Treatment requires immediate intervention with intravitreal antibiotics and sometimes vitrectomy. The condition represents an ophthalmologic emergency as delayed treatment can result in permanent vision loss or loss of the eye.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify acute vs. chronic and exogenous vs. endogenous when documenting.
In Context
- "The patient developed acute endophthalmitis three days following cataract surgery." — Emergency consultation
- "Vitreous cultures confirmed Staphylococcus epidermidis as the causative organism in this case of endophthalmitis." — Laboratory report