10 July 2026
A new study published in Ophthalmology Retina has described the number of patients diagnosed with injection drug use–associated endogenous endophthalmitis (IDU-EE) at a single tertiary centre between 2015 and 2021.
University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Ophthalmology ophthalmologist, Jared Sokol, and his co-investigators found that 62 patients were diagnosed with the eye condition over the period.
A previous study at the same location described 30 cases of IDU-EE between 2006 and 2014.
The researchers reported worse visual outcomes overall within the 2015–2021 study, compared to patients in the 2006–2014 study.
“Overall, our main findings were that there was a higher incidence of patients presenting with this condition, and more patients ultimately had worse visual outcomes,” Sokol said.
“It’s important for the public to know that an ocular condition can be the first sign of a systemic issue within the body, so getting regular eye exams and seeking care for new symptoms is important. As ophthalmologists, we are in a unique position to diagnose these conditions and help connect patients to the multidisciplinary care they need,” he emphasised.
Sokol outlined the important role that clinicians can play in connecting people with substance use disorders to addiction care.
“In ophthalmology, we don’t just treat the eyes. We think about the whole patient,” he said.
“When we identify a condition that is related to injection drug use, it’s important that we connect patients with the right resources because these interventions may not only help save their vision but also their lives.” Sokol highlighted.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to join the discussion. Log in