Hypopyon refers to an inflammatory cell exudate in the anterior chamber of the eye.
Features:
(1) inflammation of the anterior uvea (uveitis) and iris (iritis)
(2) accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lower anterior chamber
(3) variable conjunctivitis
(4) variable disccoloration (normally white; may be pink, black or other colors with bacterial infection)
The inflammation may be sterile or non-sterile.
Causes of hypopyon:
(1) panophthalmitis
(2) endophthalmitis
(3) Behcet's disease
(4) corneal ulcer
(5) adverse drug reaction
(6) anterior uveitis or iritis
The layering of the hypopyon is determined by gravity. The location of the hypopyon may vary based on body positioning.
