Endophthalmitis is an infection within the eye. It mainly affects the vitreous, but it can also spread to the retina, chorioid, cornea and to other structures in the eye. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are necessary for the preservation of visual function and the affect­ed eye.

In the past 15 years, the treatment of endophthalmitis has changed. By injecting antibi­otics directly into the vitreous, their therapeutic levels can be achieved and maintained. If a highly virulent microorganism causes endophthalmitis or if patient’s visual acuity is less than 10 percent, vitrectomy should be performed immediately. Systemic antibiotics and cor­ticosteroids are used as adjunctive treatment.