Endophthalmitis is an inflammation of the internal eye tissues, most commonly caused by an infection.

If you have recently had an operation on your eye, a procedure such as an intravitreal injection or an injury to your eye and you experience any of the following symptoms, please report immediately to your nearest eye accident and emergency department:

• Redness
• Sensitivity to light
• Vision reduction
• Pain

The earlier the eye is treated, the better the recovery.

The main danger is the risk of eyesight being reduced or lost if treatment is not started as early as possible.

To find out what is causing endophthalmitis, samples of the fluid from inside your eye will be taken and sent to a laboratory for tests. Antibiotics will be instilled into your eye and antibiotic drops and tablets will be prescribed for you.

If the infection is very severe, you could be admitted into hospital for more intensive treatment such as intravenous antibiotics.

How long will the treatment take?

Your eye will be checked every day and you might need to stay in hospital overnight. When you are discharged, you will be given a date for a follow-up appointment. It is important that you attend this appointment. Once at home, you will need to keep taking the medications prescribed for you (drops and/or tablets) until the doctor tells you to stop.

Are there any long term side-effects?

Loss of some vision can occur, but blindness is rare.