Panophthalmitis: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Management

Panophthalmitis Definition Panophthalmitis is a severe, rapidly progressing, and sight-threatening inflammatory condition involving all the layers and structures of the eye, including the sclera, retina, choroid, and even the orbit. It is a serious ocular emergency that can lead to blindness and systemic complications if not managed promptly. Types of Panophthalmitis Panophthalmitis can be classified based on its cause and onset: 1. Infectious Panophthalmitis Caused by bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infections. Bacterial: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae Fungal: Candida, Aspergillus Viral: Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Parasitic: Toxoplasma gondii 2. Non-infectious Panophthalmitis Rare but can occur due to: Autoimmune diseases (Sarcoidosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis) Chemical or traumatic injury (e.g., alkali burns, gunshot wounds) Causes of Panophthalmitis Panophthalmitis is often caused by infections spreading from: Post-Surgical Infectio…