Evaluation and Management of Orbital Cellulitis Secondary to Endophthalmitis

Abstract

Endophthalmitis is an intraocular infection that can lead to significant decrease in vision. Severe infections with virulent organisms or untreated infections can result in panophthalmitis, an infection that extends outside the globe and results in intraorbital inflammation and orbital cellulitis. Complete loss of vision can occur in these cases as the eye becomes filled with purulence. Inadequate treatment can lead to intracranial extension of the infections, meningitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and even death. In these severe cases, medical treatment alone is often inadequate, and surgical intervention with either evisceration or enucleation is necessary.