Eye Infections
The most common infection of the eye is CONJUNCTIVITIS, also known as pinkeye. Most of these infections are caused by bacteria such as staphylococci, or by viruses associated with a cold, sore throat, or illness such as MEASLES. Viral conjunctivitis is the version that often appears in schools, sweeping through classrooms in massive epidemics.
Newborns may contract a serious type of conjunctivitis from their mothers during birth caused by common bacteria, organisms responsible for gonorrhea or genital herpes, or by a chlamydial infection; this may cause blindness in the newborn unless promptly treated. Keratoconjunctivitis is an inflammation of both the conjunctiva and the cornea, often caused by a virus. Corneal infections are more serious and can lead to blurry vision or perforation if not treated.
Infection within the eye may make it necessary to remove the eyeball. This can occur after a penetrating injury to the eye, or as a result of infections that travel to the eye from elsewhere in the body.
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