ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief overview of the relevant anatomy and pathophysiology in corneal infection and inflammation. Each corneal layer serves a purpose to maintain the transparency of the cornea and hence helps in formation of a clear image at the fovea. The stratified squamous non-keratinised corneal epithelium is composed of relatively uniform five to seven layers of cells that are arranged regularly along with tight junctions. The cornea is normally protected from microbial invasion by the natural ocular surface defence mechanisms present in the precorneal tear film, conjunctiva and the corneal epithelium. The severity of the condition may vary in each person depending on the pathogenicity of the organism involved, the susceptibility of the individual and the immunological state of the individual. The healing of an infectious corneal ulcer proceeds in three stages, namely, the initial progressive followed by the regressive and healing stages.
