Endophthalmitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Endophthalmitis is severe inflammation of the eyeball caused by infection. There are two types of endophthalmitis, namely endogenous and exogenous.
Endogenous endophthalmitis occurs due to the entry of bacteria from other organs into the eye tissue through the bloodstream. Endogenous endophthalmitis is very rare, accounting for only 2–15% of all endophthalmitis. Meanwhile, exogenous endophthalmitis occurs as a result of infection or trauma that injures the eyeball.
Symptom
There are several symptoms of endophthalmitis that generally appear, such as:
- Reddened eyelids
- Eyes ache
- The cornea looks cloudy
- The eyeball and the surrounding area are reddish in color
- The eyes are difficult to open and if forced it will hurt
- The eyes become more sensitive and dazzle in the light
- Headaches that disappear arise because the blood flow around the eye tissue is hampered due to the movement of bacteria in the eye tissue
Reason
Endophthalmitis cannot occur solely from a blow that causes a bruised eye. However, this disorder occurs due to an injury to the inside of the eyeball. Some things that can cause injuries to include:
- Surgical action
- Wounds that penetrate the eye
- Bacteria, the types that most often cause endophthalmitis are Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus
- Fungi, the types that cause the most are Aspergillus, phycomycosis, and actinomyces
Diagnosis
Determination of the diagnosis of endophthalmitis is carried out through a series of medical interviews and physical examinations. An exact diagnosis is needed so that treatment can be adjusted to the type of endophthalmitis the sufferer has and its cause. Therefore, the treatment of each type of disease is relatively different.
Treatment
Endophthalmitis treatment depends on the cause. As soon as the diagnosis of endophthalmitis is determined, treatment can be given as soon as possible and intensively. Because delays in handling, even if only a few hours, can give different results than desired.
If it is caused by bacteria, and this has been proven through laboratory tests, antibiotics can be given. These antibiotics can be in the form of eye drops, orally (taken by mouth), or through the vein. Antibiotic injections can be made directly into the eye.
If the cause is a fungus, then antifungals can be given such as Amphotericin B which is injected directly into the eye or Fluconazole which is administered orally (taken by mouth). If the infection is getting worse, an ophthalmologist can perform a surgery called a vitrectomy to remove fluid and pus from inside the eye.
Prevention
Endophthalmitis can be prevented in several ways, such as:
- If you do a lot of outdoor activities, especially activities that have a risk of injury, always use eye protection such as goggles and head coverings.
- If there is an infection in the body – such as urinary tract infections, ear infections, and so on – see a doctor immediately to get the right treatment. This will prevent you from the risk of the bacteria that cause the infection entering the eye tissue through the bloodstream.
- Give your eyes time to rest so they don’t get tired.
- If you are going to undergo surgery on the eye, for example due to cataracts, consult your doctor for eye care that you need to do after surgery.