UrgentEmergency
Endophthalmitis
A serious infection inside the eye, often with pain and vision change.
What is it?
Endophthalmitis is a rare but serious infection inside the eye, usually occurring after eye surgery or an injury that penetrates the eye. It causes rapidly worsening pain, redness, and vision loss and requires urgent treatment.
Common symptoms
- Severe eye pain
- Redness
- Marked vision loss
- Swollen eyelids
Risk factors
- Recent intraocular surgery or injection
- Penetrating eye trauma
- Immunocompromised state
Prevention tips
- Seek urgent ophthalmic care after any sudden pain, redness, or vision loss following eye surgery or an intravitreal injection
- Use postoperative eye drops exactly as prescribed
- Maintain good hand and eyelid hygiene and avoid touching the eye unnecessarily
- Wear protective eyewear during activities that carry a risk of eye injury
- Seek prompt treatment for corneal infections and maintain close follow-up if you are immunocompromised
Treatment overview
Endophthalmitis is an emergency. Treatment involves intravitreal antibiotic injections (vancomycin and ceftazidime). Vitrectomy may be required for severe cases.
Seek urgent care if you notice
- Sudden vision loss
- Severe eye pain
- New flashes, many new floaters, or curtain-like shadow
Related eye care tips
Have questions about your eyes?
This information is general education and does not replace a professional eye examination. If you are worried about your eyes, book an appointment.