Eye Infections: Essentials in Ophthalmology

The human eye and its associated structures are susceptible to several diseases and disorders, and age-related changes. Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis are characterized by inflammation, pain, scratchiness, burning and itchiness. It is a fairly common infection occurring in children, people wearing contact lenses and people infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea. It is primarily caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Keratitis is another infection of the eye in which the cornea of the eye becomes inflamed. It is characterized by photophobia, impaired eyesight, red eye and pain. It can be acute or chronic. Such infections can be caused due to bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic agents. Endophthalmitis is another eye infection in which the interior of the eye gets inflamed. It can potentially lead to a loss of vision and the eye itself. Although it is triggered by a viral or fungal infection, it can occur due to a penetrating trauma, intravitreal injections and retained intraocular foreign bodies. Antibiotic and steroid eye drops are used to treat eye infections or to prevent them from occurring after eye surgeries. The branch of medicine and surgery that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of eye infections is known as ophthalmology. Some of the diverse topics covered in this book address the various infections of the eye. The various advancements in ophthalmology, in relation to eye infection diagnosis and management, are glanced at and their applications as well as ramifications are looked at in detail. It will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers.