Diagnosis and treatment

Treatment for endophthalmitis

To find out what is causing endophthalmitis, samples of the fluid from inside your eye will be taken and sent to a laboratory for tests. Antibiotics will be instilled into your eye and antibiotic drops and tablets will be prescribed for you.

If the infection is very severe, you could be admitted into hospital for more intensive treatment such as intravenous antibiotics.

How long will the treatment take?

Your eye will be checked every day and you might need to stay in hospital overnight. When you are discharged, you will be given a date for a follow-up appointment. It is important that you attend this appointment. Once at home, you will need to keep taking the medications prescribed for you (drops and/or tablets) until the doctor tells you to stop.

Are there any long term side-effects?

Loss of some vision can occur, but blindness is rare.

What will the follow-up procedure involve?

In some cases, treatment could require an operation to remove the infected fluid in the back of the eye. Subsequent follow-up appointments will depend on the severity of the condition and your response to the treatment. If appropriate, you could be referred to your local eye clinic for follow-up care. If you require any further advice or information about endophthalmitis, please do not hesitate to contact the infection control team on 020 7253 3411 ext 2539.

video transcript

Before putting in your eyedrops, first check that the drops are still in date.

If you were using a new bottle of eyedrops also check that the seal is not broken make sure you're putting the correct drops into the correct eye.

Let the correct time to instill your drops. Place a clean tissue on a flat surface wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water invert the bottle two or three times to ensure the contents are evenly mixed together.

Remove the lid and place it on the tissue tilt your head back, pull down your lower lid and form a small pocket. Make sure that the tip of the bottle does not come into contact with your skin or eyelashes as it might contaminate the drops.

Look up and gently squeeze the bottle so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by your lower lid.

Blink the drops in press lightly on the inner corner of your eye this enables more of the drop to be absorbed and not run away down your tear duct.

Wipe any excess fluid from your closed eyelids with a clean tissue.

Recap your drop bottle if you have more than one drop to instill. Wait at least 5 minutes before putting in another drop.

Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any traces of medication.

If you have any problems please contact our nurse led helpline service Moorfields Direct on 0207 566 2345

What is the cost of treatment?

Initial consultation

From £300

This includes an initial consultation and a visual acuity assessment.

If further outpatient tests and investigations are required, they will be charged at an additional rate. Your consultant will discuss this with you at your consultation.

Treatment

The cost of onward treatment will be provided after initial consultation,  based on your personalised treatment plan.

Contact the new patient team

Call our new patient team

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm excluding bank holidays for general enquiries or to book an appointment.

0800 328 3421

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