Skip to content

Fungemia and Intraocular Involvement

Jonathan A. Barnett


The American Academy of Ophthalmology currently does NOT recommend routine Ophthalmology consults for visually asymptomatic patients with systemic candidemia. The incidence of candidemia-related endophthalmitis detected from routine screenings is <1%.

By contrast, if the patient has visual symptoms, an Ophthalmology consult is warranted.

  • Breazzano MP et al. American Academy of Ophthalmology Recommendations on Screening for Endogenous Candida Endophthalmitis. Ophthalmology. 2022 Jan;129(1):73-76.

Giant Cell Arteritis: Role of Ophthalmology

If a patient has systemic symptoms suspect of GCA (see “Rheumatology section”), when is it appropriate to consult Ophthalmology?

  • If patient HAS visual symptoms (acute vision loss, new onset diplopia), consult ophthalmology.

  • If patient DOES NOT have visual symptoms, DO NOT consult ophthalmology (e.g., to rule out “retinal vasculitis.”)

  • It is extremely unlikely that Ophthalmology will find a pertinent ocular finding in the absence of visual symptoms to support a diagnosis of GCA.

  • Bottom line: If you suspect GCA given the other systemic symptoms (regardless of visual status), treat promptly with high dose steroids!

  • Temporal Artery biopsies are typically performed by Vascular Surgery.