Endophthalmitis

Question 1

Endophthalmitis refers to infection of the chambers of the interior eye and is most common following what?

1 - following intraoccular surgery
2 - orbital cellulitis
3 - conjunctivitis
4 - blepharitis

Answer 1

1 - following intraoccular surgery

Question 2

Following surgery patients develop Endophthalmitis, which causes a painful red eye and loss of vision. How soon do this symptoms typically present following surgery?

1 - <24h
2 - <72h
3 - <1 week
4 - <4 weeks

Answer 2

3 - <1 week

Always important to ask about previous surgery if patient presents with painful red eye and loss of vision

Question 3

In addition to a painful and red eye, what other feature can patients with Endophthalmitis have?

1 - diplopia
2 - periorbital abscess
3 - conjunctivitis
4 - hypopyon

Answer 3

4 - hypopyon

This is a layer of dead white blood cells within the anterior chamber indicating severe inflammation within the eye

Question 4

Does endophthalmitis always require referral to secondary care?

Answer 4

• yes

Needs urgent referral to secondary care as can result in loss of sight

Question 5

Which 2 of the following will a patient receive in secondary care with endophthalmitis?

1 - intravitreal biopsy/tap
2 - IV antibiotics
3 - intravitreal antibiotics
4 - nasogastric feed due to nausea

Answer 5

1 - intravitreal biopsy/tap
3 - intravitreal antibiotics

Prognosis is based on speed of diagnosis and treatment