ENDOPHTHALMITIS Meaning and
Definition
-
Endophthalmitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation within the eyeball. It is typically a severe and potentially sight-threatening infection involving the tissues inside the eye, such as the vitreous gel and/or the aqueous humor. The condition is most commonly caused by bacteria or fungi that enter the eye either through direct penetration, such as during intraocular surgery or trauma, or through a bloodstream infection spreading to the eye.
Symptoms of endophthalmitis often include sudden and severe eye pain, redness, swelling, blurred vision, floaters, sensitivity to light, and sometimes fever. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss or even loss of the affected eye.
Diagnosis of endophthalmitis usually involves a comprehensive eye exam, including measuring visual acuity, examining the front and back of the eye, and collecting fluid samples for laboratory analysis. Treatment typically consists of urgent administration of intravenous antibiotics or antifungal medications, depending on the causative agent, accompanied by potentially performing a vitrectomy to remove infected tissue from the eye.
Prevention of endophthalmitis is crucial, especially in the context of eye surgery. Measures such as the proper disinfection of instruments, sterile techniques, and antibiotic prophylaxis are often employed to minimize the risk of infection. Early detection and prompt treatment are vital in managing endophthalmitis and optimizing visual outcomes.
-
Inflammation of one or more of the tissues within the eyeball.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ENDOPHTHALMITIS
- wndophthalmitis
- sndophthalmitis
- dndophthalmitis
- rndophthalmitis
- 4ndophthalmitis
- 3ndophthalmitis
- ebdophthalmitis
- emdophthalmitis
- ejdophthalmitis
- ehdophthalmitis
- ensophthalmitis
- enxophthalmitis
- encophthalmitis
- enfophthalmitis
- enrophthalmitis
- eneophthalmitis
- endiphthalmitis
- endkphthalmitis
- endlphthalmitis
- endpphthalmitis
Etymology of ENDOPHTHALMITIS
The word "Endophthalmitis" is derived from various Greek roots.
1. "Endo" is a preposition in Greek meaning "within" or "inside".
2. "Ophthalmo" is derived from the Greek word "ophthalmos", which means "eye".
3. "Itis" is a suffix in Greek used to indicate inflammation.
So, "Endophthalmitis" is a combination of "endo" (within), "ophthalmo" (eye), and "itis" (inflammation), essentially meaning inflammation within the eye.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
