Hypopyon
This is the presence of pus cells in the anterior chamber of the eye. This is managed as an ophthalmological emergency and requires urgent referral.
On examination there is a characteristic picture:
- the eye is congested
- there is a white/yellow fluid level of pus in the anterior chamber
It accompanies bacterial infection of the eye and severe iritis, seen in e.g. Behcet's disease.
There may be a recent history of:
- the use of steroid drops to treat sore red eyes
- immunosuppression
Topical steroids facilitate the intraocular growth of bacteria. For this reason topical steroids should normally be used with antibiotic cover.
Reference
- Guly CM, Forrester JV; Investigation and management of uveitis. BMJ. 2010 Oct 13;341
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