panophthalmitis /pan′ofthalmī″tis/ [Gk, pan + ophthalmos, eye, itis] , an inflammation of the entire eye, usually caused by virulent pyogenic organisms, such as strains of meningococci, pneumococci, streptococci, anthrax bacilli, and clostridia. Initial symptoms are pain, fever, headache, drowsiness, edema, and swelling. As the infection progresses, the iris appears muddy and gray, the aqueous humor becomes turbid, and precipitates form on the posterior surface of the cornea. Treatment consists of intensive systemic and local antibiotic therapy. Evisceration of the globe or excision of the eye may be required, but excision is contraindicated if surrounding tissues are infected.
