Hypopyon
Hypopyon | |
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Hypopyon seen as yellowish exudate in lower part of anterior chamber of eye | |
Specialty | Ophthalmology ![]() |
Hypopyon is a
It is an exudate rich in
Differential diagnosis
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Hypopyon_1.jpg/220px-Hypopyon_1.jpg)
Hypopyon can be present in a corneal ulcer. It can occur as a result of Behçet's disease, endophthalmitis, panuveitis/panophthalmitis, or adverse reactions to some drugs (such as rifabutin).[1]
Hypopyon is also known as sterile pus because it occurs due to the release of toxins and not by the actual invasion of pathogens. The toxins secreted by the pathogens mediate the outpouring of leukocytes that settle in the anterior chamber of the eye.
An inverse hypopyon is different from a standard hypopyon. Inverse hypopyon is seen after a pars plana vitrectomy with an insertion of silicone oil (as a replacement of the vitreous humour that has been removed in the operation; the silicone oil maintains internal tamponade). When the silicone oil emulsifies, it seeps into the anterior chamber and settles at the top of the anterior chamber. This is in contrast to hypopyon resulting from toxins where the leukocytes settle at the bottom of the anterior chamber. This is due to the effect of gravity, hence the name inverse hypopyon.
Treatment
A hypopyon should not be drained, because it offers protection against the invading pathogen due to the presence of white blood cells, although long-standing hypopyon can cause close-angle glaucoma[2] and anterior synechiae.[3]
Intravitreal antibiotics can be used if endophthalmitis is suspected.
See also
References
- ISBN 9780781798365.
- ^ "Narrow-Angle Glaucoma". allaboutvision.com. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
- ^ "Peripheral Anterior Synechia Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Surgical Care, Consultations". emedicine.medscape.com. 18 October 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2016.