endophthalmitis
Pronunciation: en-dof-thal-MY-tis
Severe inflammatory condition involving the interior of the eye, typically caused by bacterial or fungal infection. Represents a sight-threatening surgical complication.
Full Definition
A serious intraocular inflammatory condition characterized by infection or sterile inflammation of the vitreous and aqueous chambers of the eye. Post-operative endophthalmitis is one of the most feared complications in ophthalmic surgery, requiring immediate intervention to prevent permanent vision loss. The condition can be acute (within days of surgery) or chronic (weeks to months later), with bacterial causes being most common in the acute form. Treatment typically involves intravitreal antibiotics and may require surgical intervention.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenated as 'post-operative endophthalmitis' when referring to surgical complications.
In Context
- "The patient developed acute endophthalmitis requiring emergency intravitreal antibiotic injection." — Complication report
- "Risk factors for endophthalmitis must be documented in pre-operative assessments." — Clinical protocol