Endophthalmitis is the medical term describing severe inflammation inside the eye which is caused by an infection. It may even occur with certain eye surgeries or due to piercing of the eye through exposure of a foreign body. While endophthalmitis is rare, seek immediate medical counsel if it does occur and your doctor may suggest laser eye surgery in Abu Dhabi.
Symptoms
Symptoms develop almost immediately after the infection within a day or two that may include;
- Decreased or gradual vision loss
- Redness
- Swollen eyelids
- Discharge from the eye
- Blurred vision
- Trouble looking at bright lights
In case any of the symptoms occur, visit an eye specialist immediately. The sooner the endophthalmitis is treated, less likely it’ll cause vision problems.
Causes
There’re two main types of endophthalmitis namely; exogenous which is the infection that goes within the eye through an outside source. The second is endogenous endophthalmitis which is spreading of the infection from another part of the body into the eye.
Exogenous endophthalmitis is most common that occur following an eye cut either during a sloppy surgery or piercing by a foreign object. Such cuts are likely to cause the infection travel within the eyeball. Particular surgeries that frequently result in this type of infection are those performed within the eyeball itself known as intraocular surgery.
Risk factors for exogenous endophthalmitis also include significant fluid loss behind the eye, poor healing of the wound and a longer time of surgery. Laser eye surgery in Abu Dhabi is performed following the latest technology and under supervision of expert surgeons which treats various vision related issues without any risk of exogenous endophthalmitis.
People who already underwent certain surgeries such as for glaucoma are at higher-risk of developing endophthalmitis.
Medical diagnosis
An ophthalmologist would conduct several tests to determine indication of endophthalmitis by looking inside of the eye and vision tests. Ultrasound of the eye is recommended to detect presence of foreign body in the eyeball. If infection is indeed expected, vitreous tap test is performed which involves a tiny needle for extracting fluid from the eyeball which is further analysed to determine infection and better treatment.
Treatment & preventive measures
Treatment of endophthalmitis depends on the cause of the condition so as to take the appropriate course. It’s important administering an antibiotic within the eye ASAP through a tiny needle. A corticosteroid may be added to reduce inflammation only in rare and most serious cases.
If there’s a foreign body in the eye, removing it is essential however not by yourself but with proper medical tools under the supervision of experts. There’re times when laser eye surgery is performed to disintegrate foreign object in case extraction isn’t possible.
Preventive measures involve wearing protective eye cover when doing anything that may further expose the eye to natural elements such as wood saw, dust or perhaps with contact sports. Some of the most protective eyewear includes;
- Goggles
- Helmets
- Eye shields
Conclusion
If you’re expecting laser eye surgery in Abu Dhabi, do follow pre and postoperative instructions carefully to reduce risk of infection.
