Final answer:
Intraocular antibiotics are essential in treating endophthalmitis due to their ability to bypass the blood-eye barrier and deliver high concentrations of medication directly to the site of infection, combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can lead to vision loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
The administration of intraocular antibiotics is the most likely reason a person with endophthalmitis would receive such aggressive treatment. Endophthalmitis is a severe eye infection that can result in inflammation of the internal coats of the eye and may quickly lead to vision loss or even permanent blindness if not treated adequately. Giving antibiotics directly into the eye ensures that the medication can reach the infection site effectively, as the blood-eye barrier may prevent adequate antibiotic levels from reaching the vitreous humor if given systemically.
Additionally, intraocular delivery allows for higher local antibiotic concentrations, which is critical because bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known for causing endophthalmitis, can form biofilms and exhibit resistance to various antibiotics. The risk of antibiotic-resistant infections is heightened in hospital settings, particularly in patients with compromised immunity or recent ocular surgery, making prompt and potent treatment with appropriate antibiotics vital for preserving eye health and preventing complications such as blindness.