Panophthalmitis: A Ready Reckoner for Postgraduates
Introduction Panophthalmitis is a severe ocular and orbital condition which can lead to phthisis bulbi or may necessitate evisceration. Severe inflammation of the anterior and posterior segments is frequently accompanied by microbial keratitis, necrotizing scleritis, and perforation or rupture following trauma. The disease develops rapidly and the prognosis is poor. The management of patients with intractable panophthalmitis remains challenging with eye salvage almost impossible in most cases. Etiology and Pathogenesis Panophthalmitis is a purulent inflammation of all coats of the eyeball including intraocular structures. Although post-traumatic endophthalmitis is the most common preceding event, the infection can result after postoperative endophthalmitis following cataract surgery, keratoplasty, or rarely after posterior segment procedures. It can also be caused by septicemia or can spread from a pus-producing infection in another part of the body. [Table 1] Organisms implicated incl

