hypopyon

Last reviewed 01/2018

This is the presence of pus cells in the anterior chamber of the eye. This is managed as an ophthalmalogical 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.