Febrile 116: StAR: Ocular Infections
Mar 31, 2025
Miriam Barshak, an infectious disease consultant at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Akash Gupta, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, delve deep into ocular infections. They discuss the crucial interplay between infectious disease specialists and ophthalmologists, emphasizing effective communication. Insights into ocular anatomy reveal how inflammation causes conditions like scleritis and keratitis. The duo shares intriguing case studies on ocular toxoplasmosis and syphilis, highlighting the importance of swift diagnosis and treatment to prevent vision loss.
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Eye Anatomy Basics
- Understanding the eye anatomy helps in diagnosing infections effectively.
- The eye has layers like sclera, cornea, conjunctiva, uvea, and retina, each with specific infection terms.
Treating Herpes Zoster Eye Infection
- Visual changes alongside eye redness suggest more than conjunctivitis, especially with vesicular rash.
- Prompt eye exams and combined systemic and topical antivirals are crucial for herpes zoster keratoconjunctivitis.
Endogenous Endophthalmitis Risks
- Endogenous endophthalmitis often is hematogenous and linked to systemic infections.
- Injection drug use increases risk for subacute fungal infections like candida.