Asian Institute at Dental CongressDr. Amadeo A. S. Veloso Jr., Asian Eye Institute retina specialist, was speaker at the 33rd Asia Pacific Dental Congress on the relationship between endogenous endophthalmitis and dental procedures.

Endogenous endophthalmitis is an infection and inflammation of the inner eye caused by bacteria that is spread through the bloodstream or circulation. A relatively rare condition and a major cause of visual loss, endogenous endophthalmitis requires immediate intervention by an ophthalmologist upon diagnosis.

Several case report findings on endogenous endophthalmitis showed that a number of patients succumbed to infection after undergoing nonsurgical dental procedures such as routine dental cleaning. It was observed that dental patients who previously succumbed to other infections or had weak immune systems at the time of the dental procedure were more susceptible to endophthalmitis.

Dentists were further advised to be aware of this possibility so that measures can be taken in ensuring that their patients receive the necessary treatment for this condition.

To prevent endophthalmitis infection, Dr. Veloso advised patients to defer dental procedures, if possible, if he or she is suffering from an illness or has not completely recovered from it.

“Don’t hesitate to tell your dentist if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs, like steroids, or if your immune system is down. Always take care of your teeth; there’s no substitute to oral hygiene when it comes to avoiding dental caries and tooth decay,” Dr. Veloso added.