Endophthalmitis is an inflammation inside the eye caused by an infection. It is a serious condition that can lead to permanent loss of vision, or visual impairment.

What is going on in the body?

The condition most commonly follows surgery in the eye or a penetrating wound of the eye. Infection within the eye caused by bacteria commonly occurs within 4 to 5 days of surgery or injury. Inflammation in the eye caused by a virus or fungus may have a more chronic course, so the diagnosis may be delayed.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The main cause of endophthalmitis is bacterial infection in the eye following surgery or trauma to the structures inside the eye. It does not usually occur after superficial injury to the eye such as corneal abrasion. Less frequently, infectious agents may enter the eye from the bloodstream, such as with herpes virus or candida yeast infection.