The diagnosis and treatment progress of infectious endophthalmitis

Endophthalmitis is a blinding disease that may lead to permanent vision loss. The diagnosis of endophthalmitis relies on clinical findings. It is crucial to identify causative microorganisms in time for subsequent treatment and saving vision. For a long time, cultures of vitreous and/or aqueous humours have been the gold standard for the diagnosis of endophthalmitis. The development of modern molecular diagnostic techniques has brought new opportunities for identifying pathogens rapidly and improving sensitivity. Intravitreal antibiotic injection has the become standard treatment option for infectious endophthalmitis in clinical practice, however, the role and timing of pars plana vitrectomy remains controversial. Moreover, the development of new drugs for intravitreal injection and posterior segment drug delivery systems is expected to achieve the transition from invasive to non-invasive management. Thus, endophthalmitis is an ophthalmic emergency and timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving vision.