Panophthalmitides, also known as panophthalmitis, is a medical term used to define a severe and often life-threatening condition that involves extensive inflammation and infection of the entire eye. It is characterized by the involvement of all layers of the eyeball, including the sclera, cornea, orbit, and intraocular tissues.
This condition usually occurs as a result of a severe infection that begins in the eye, often due to trauma, surgery, or an underlying local infection. Common pathogens involved in panophthalmitides include bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The symptoms of panophthalmitides typically include severe eye pain, redness, swelling, loss of vision, and discharge. As the infection progresses, the patient may experience systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, and general signs of infection.
The treatment of panophthalmitides involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes systemic administration of intravenous antibiotics to control the infection. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to drain the pus and alleviate increased pressure within the eye.
If left untreated or delayed, panophthalmitides can lead to serious complications like orbital cellulitis, abscess formation, central retinal artery occlusion, and ultimately loss of the affected eye. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial in order to prevent long-term visual impairment and systemic spread of the infection.
