---
title: Endophthalmitis
description: "Endophthalmitis is a severe inflammation and infection inside the eye, usually caused by bacteria or fungi. It is an ophthalmic emergency that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. ## Causes and symptoms Most cases occur after…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/conditions-diseases/endophthalmitis/"
updated: "2025-12-16"
category: "Conditions & Diseases"
---

# Endophthalmitis

Endophthalmitis is a severe inflammation and infection inside the eye, usually caused by bacteria or fungi. It is an ophthalmic emergency that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly.

## Causes and symptoms

Most cases occur after eye surgery, injections, or penetrating injury, but infection can also spread from the bloodstream.

- Rapid onset of eye pain, redness, and worsening blurred vision
- Light sensitivity, swollen lids, and sometimes a white or cloudy pupil
- History of recent cataract surgery, intravitreal injection, or trauma
- Occasional endogenous cases in people with severe systemic infection

## Treatment

Urgent specialist care is essential. Treatment aims to control infection and preserve as much sight as possible.

- Intravitreal antibiotics or antifungals injected directly into the eye
- Vitrectomy surgery in more severe cases to remove infected gel
- Systemic antibiotics and careful monitoring of vision and pain
- Outcome depends on organism type, speed of diagnosis, and underlying eye health