ABSTRACT
Conjunctivitis is a common disease, and can be caused by infection, allergy or chemical irritation. Infectious conjunctivitis affects all age groups and resolution usually occurs following application of topical antibiotics. Infections occur in other parts of the eye, including the cornea, as well as the anterior and posterior chambers. Structures such as the orbit and cavernous sinuses can be involved, and because of their proximity to the brain, life-threatening illness can occur. Any infection of the eye or its associated structures in the setting of pain and vision loss is an emergency and the ophthalmologist needs to be consulted. The gross anatomy of the eye and its adjacent structures is shown in Figure 15.1 .
