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The eye may suffer inflammation or infection requiring intervention by the vitreoretinal surgeon.

What is inflammation?

Sometimes the body may produce a reaction against itself. This happens commonly in the joints or skin and also in the eye. This produces a condition called uveitis. Uveitis usually only affects the front of the eye and can be treated by drops. sometimes the uveitis affects the back of the eye including the retina and vitreous. When this happens the retina can be damaged and the vitreous become opaque with proteins and cells. These may require vitrectomy surgery to repair.

What kind of infections affect the retina?

Almost all kinds of organism can infect the back of the eye:

Bacteria after trauma or surgery.

Viruses giving retinal blood vessel inflammation.

Fungi such as candida

Others such as toxoplasma and toxocara.

The retinal surgeon may be required to insert antibiotics or to remove the infection by vitrectomy.

Disclaimer. The information provided in the Retina Surgery web site is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other health care professional. Always check with your doctor if you have concerns about your condition or treatment. The authors of this web site and St Thomas’ hospital are not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the information contained in or implied by the information on the site.
(Information for Patients only provides a guide. It is important that you consult your ophthalmologist if you are experiencing problems with your eyes.)

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