RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The eye in systemic sepsis JF Clinical Medicine JO Clin Med FD Royal College of Physicians SP 444 OP 448 DO 10.7861/clinmedicine.2-5-444 VO 2 IS 5 A1 Aldrin Khan A1 Narciss Okhravi A1 Susan Lightman YR 2002 UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/2/5/444.abstract AB Metastatic or endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) is a serious consequence of systemic sepsis. It is defined as intraocular infection resulting from haematogenous spread of organisms in which the initial focus of infection is at a site distal to the eye. A red/sore eye in a patient with a known septic focus needs urgent attention as EE can be a major cause of visual loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are associated with better visual outcome. This article focuses on the two main causes of EE, namely bacterial and fungal infections, and also briefly mentions dissemination of cytomegalovirus to the eye in immunocompromised patients. Although conscious patients may notice an ocular problem, unconscious or very sick patients may not; vigilance by medical staff in looking for early signs of this is extremely important.