chronic endophthalmitis

The vision in my right eye was hazy so I saw an opthamologist and he said the Yag laser surgery I had after cataract surgery 8 years ago needed to be done again because the hole was to small.  The laser was done on 6/11/09 after that the vision is still very hazy now and I have constant flashes of light. I was recommended to a retina specialist and he said the flashes would go way in time and the retina was ok.  Two weeks ago I went back to the opthamologist and now he says my gel in the eye is hazy and he sent me back to the retina specalist one week ago and now he says I have chronic endophthalmitis which occurred after the cataract surgery (8 years) ago which is from a slow growing bacteria.  He gave me a steroid injection and said to come back in 1 month.  I am so scared I am going to lose my vision.  My Drs. are highly trained and suppose to be very good.  Do you think I am getting the right treatment and should I get another opinion?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Suzyq6986,

The diagnosis may include p acnes endophthalmitis.  A step wise approach is often taken and includes injection of steroids and antibiotics into the eye.  50% of patients will exhibit recurrence and require surgical intervention.  There are different surgical strategies so it will be important to talk to your doctor about the possible treatments if improvement is not noted.  

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California