Eyes are the organs of the visual system. Of the five senses, namely sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch, people reported that their eyesight is the mode of perception they value most. But in spite of its value, most people do not have a good understanding of the anatomy of the eye, how vision works and more importantly about the health problems that affect the eye.

An infection in the eye occurs when harmful microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses invade any part of the eyeball or its surrounding areas. They can attack the cornea or the clear front portion of the eye or the conjunctiva or the thin, moist membrane that lines the outer eye and eyelids.

Examples of types of eye infections caused by bacteria, fungal and viral infections are:

• Conjunctivitis or Pinkeye:  This is a highly contagious eye infection that commonly spreads among children in classrooms, day care centers and similar environments. Parents and teachers are also equally at risk as children as this condition is contagious. Conjunctivitis usually has a viral or bacterial origin. Even infants can be affected during birth if the mother has a sexually transmitted disease.
• Viral keratitis (other viral infections):  Viral eye infections such as ocular herpes occur when exposed to herpes simplex virus.
• Fungal keratitis:  This type of eye infection happens when there is an infection due to an infected contact lens solution. It is commonly found among contact lens users. This is a fungal infection caused by Fusarium fungi that are found in organic matter. The fungi can also invade the eye in other ways like a penetrating injury caused by the branch of a tree.
• Acanthamoeba keratitis:  Contact lens users are the most affected by this type of infection. This condition is a serious sight-threatening infection. People who wear contact lens are at an increased risk of encountering parasites that invade the eye and should observe safety tips such as avoiding wearing contacts during swimming or relaxing in a hot tub. The lens should be removed and disinfected immediately afterward.
• Trachoma:  This condition is uncommon in the country. It is found mostly in underdeveloped regions and is also a leading cause of blindness. The major cause of the infection is bacterium called chlamydia trachomatis. The risk of re-infection is also a major issue. Trachoma infects the inner eyelid which begins to scar. Due to scaring, the eyelid turns inward and eyelashes start to brush against the cornea. This then destroys the tissue on the cornea resulting in permanent blindness. Trachoma can be controlled by good hygiene and treatment with oral antibiotics.
• Endophthalmitis:  This kind of infection occurs during a penetrating eye injury or due to a rare complication during eye surgery such as cataract surgery. When the interior of the eye is penetrated with an eye infection, it can result in blindness without immediate treatment. Endophthalmitis can be caused by mold that penetrates the eye’s interior but these are rare cases and mostly reported in tropical regions.