Hypopyon: Difference between revisions

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'''Hypopyon''' is a medical condition characterized by the presence of pus in the anterior chamber of the eye, between the cornea and the iris. This condition is often a sign of severe inflammation and can be associated with a number of diseases, including [[uveitis]], [[endophthalmitis]], and [[corneal ulcer]].
{{Short description|An accumulation of pus in the anterior chamber of the eye}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
 
== Hypopyon ==
[[File:Hypopyon_1.jpg|thumb|right|A clinical image showing hypopyon in the anterior chamber of the eye.]]
 
A '''hypopyon''' is an accumulation of [[pus]] in the [[anterior chamber]] of the [[eye]]. It is a clinical sign that indicates the presence of [[inflammation]] within the eye, often due to an [[infection]] or other inflammatory processes. The pus is composed of [[white blood cells]], [[fibrin]], and other inflammatory debris.


== Causes ==
== Causes ==
Hypopyon can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:


Hypopyon is typically caused by an infection or inflammation in the eye. This can occur as a result of a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, or due to an autoimmune disease such as [[rheumatoid arthritis]] or [[lupus]]. Other potential causes include trauma to the eye, surgery, or the presence of a foreign body.
* [[Endophthalmitis]]: A severe inflammation of the interior of the eye, often due to infection following [[surgery]] or [[trauma]].
* [[Uveitis]]: Inflammation of the [[uvea]], which can be due to infectious or non-infectious causes.
* [[Keratitis]]: Inflammation of the [[cornea]], which can lead to hypopyon if severe.
* [[Behçet's disease]]: A systemic inflammatory disorder that can affect the eyes.


== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
Patients with hypopyon may experience:


The primary symptom of hypopyon is a visible layer of white or yellow pus in the anterior chamber of the eye. This can often be seen without the need for special equipment. Other symptoms may include pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and a decrease in visual acuity.
* [[Redness]] of the eye
* [[Pain]] in the eye
* [[Blurred vision]]
* Sensitivity to [[light]] (photophobia)
* Visible white or yellowish layer in the lower part of the iris


== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
The diagnosis of hypopyon is primarily clinical, based on the observation of pus in the anterior chamber. Additional tests may include:


Diagnosis of hypopyon typically involves a thorough eye examination, including a slit lamp examination to visualize the anterior chamber of the eye. Additional tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause of the inflammation, such as blood tests, imaging studies, or a biopsy of the eye tissue.
* [[Slit lamp examination]]: To assess the extent of inflammation and check for other signs of eye disease.
* [[Ultrasound]]: To evaluate the posterior segment of the eye if the view is obscured.
* [[Culture]] and sensitivity tests: To identify infectious organisms if an infection is suspected.


== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
The treatment of hypopyon depends on the underlying cause:


Treatment for hypopyon focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the inflammation. This may involve the use of antibiotics, antiviral medications, or antifungal drugs, depending on the nature of the infection. In some cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be required to drain the pus from the eye.
* For infectious causes, [[antibiotics]] or [[antifungal]] medications may be administered.
* For inflammatory causes, [[corticosteroids]] or other anti-inflammatory medications may be used.
* In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address the underlying issue.


== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for hypopyon varies depending on the cause and the timeliness of treatment. Prompt and appropriate management of the underlying condition can lead to a good outcome, while delayed treatment may result in complications such as [[vision loss]].


The prognosis for hypopyon depends on the underlying cause of the condition. With prompt and appropriate treatment, most cases of hypopyon can be successfully managed. However, if left untreated, hypopyon can lead to serious complications, including vision loss.
== Related pages ==
 
* [[Anterior chamber of the eye]]
== See also ==
* [[Endophthalmitis]]
 
* [[Uveitis]]
* [[Uveitis]]
* [[Endophthalmitis]]
* [[Keratitis]]
* [[Corneal ulcer]]


[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
[[Category:Eye diseases]]
[[Category:Eye diseases]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
{{stub}}

Revision as of 04:01, 13 February 2025

An accumulation of pus in the anterior chamber of the eye



Hypopyon

A clinical image showing hypopyon in the anterior chamber of the eye.

A hypopyon is an accumulation of pus in the anterior chamber of the eye. It is a clinical sign that indicates the presence of inflammation within the eye, often due to an infection or other inflammatory processes. The pus is composed of white blood cells, fibrin, and other inflammatory debris.

Causes

Hypopyon can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

  • Endophthalmitis: A severe inflammation of the interior of the eye, often due to infection following surgery or trauma.
  • Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea, which can be due to infectious or non-infectious causes.
  • Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea, which can lead to hypopyon if severe.
  • Behçet's disease: A systemic inflammatory disorder that can affect the eyes.

Symptoms

Patients with hypopyon may experience:

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of hypopyon is primarily clinical, based on the observation of pus in the anterior chamber. Additional tests may include:

  • Slit lamp examination: To assess the extent of inflammation and check for other signs of eye disease.
  • Ultrasound: To evaluate the posterior segment of the eye if the view is obscured.
  • Culture and sensitivity tests: To identify infectious organisms if an infection is suspected.

Treatment

The treatment of hypopyon depends on the underlying cause:

  • For infectious causes, antibiotics or antifungal medications may be administered.
  • For inflammatory causes, corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications may be used.
  • In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address the underlying issue.

Prognosis

The prognosis for hypopyon varies depending on the cause and the timeliness of treatment. Prompt and appropriate management of the underlying condition can lead to a good outcome, while delayed treatment may result in complications such as vision loss.

Related pages