Understanding Endophthalmitis: Eye Infection After Cataract Surgery

Endophthalmitis is a very serious eye infection that can occur after cataract surgery. The ophthalmologist takes precautions before eye surgery to avoid this condition. This type of infection rarely occurs.

Endophthalmitis and Bacteria

• An infection after cataract surgery is usually caused by bacteria. The main causes of these types of infections are staph bacteria or strep bacteria. Both live on the skin.

Pain

• Normally, there is very little pain after cataract surgery. In endophthalmitis, the eye begins to hurt. This pain might be related to sensitivity to light.

Photosensitivity

• A sudden sensitivity to light can be a sign of infection after cataract surgery. The inflammation associated with the infection can cause this sensitivity.

Decrease in Vision

• With modern cataract surgery, vision generally improves within a few days after the surgery, but in endophthalmitis, the vision starts to get worse.

Floaters

• In endophthalmitis, particles of cells or clumps of bacteria fill the jelly in the back of the eye. The patient often can see these particles "floating" around in the eye.