Optometry Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Optometry, including details on myopia, optometric practice, therapy.

Presumed Candida endogenous fungal endophthalmitis: A case report and literature review.

Najmi NG, Song HF, Ober RR

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, Tucson, Arizona; Southern California College of Optometry, Fullerton, California.

BACKGROUND: Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis (EFE) is a rare intraocular infection that has recently increased in incidence over the last few decades. The most common causative organism of endogenous endophthalmitis is Candida albicans. Treatment generally is initiated with an antifungal drug systemically and, depending on the ocular findings, may also include a vitrectomy with the injection of an intraocular antifungal agent. Specific predisposing factors may make a patient more at risk for development of an ocular infection. CASE REPORT: We present a case of presumed Candida endogenous endophthalmitis in an 83-year-old white man with a Candida albicans urinary tract infection and describe the general characteristics, treatment, and management of this condition. CONCLUSION: Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis is a potentially blinding condition that can signal an underlying systemic infection. Without a dilated fundus examination in the presence of ocular inflammation, the condition easily can be misdiagnosed. Fungal infection may lead to retinal and vitreal lesions that can be visually debilitating if left untreated. Prognosis for visual outcome is dependent on timely diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

Published 3 September 2007 in Optometry, 78(9): 454-9.
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