Ophthalmia

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Ophthalmia (also called ophthalmitis) is inflammation of the eye. It results in congestion of the eyeball, often eye-watering, redness and swelling, itching and burning, and a general feeling of irritation under the eyelids. Ophthalmia can have different causes, such as infection from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or may result from a physical trauma to the eye, chemical irritation, and allergies. A bacterial infection can result in a mucus and pus secretion.^[1] Severe cases of ophthalmia can cause blindness if not treated, especially in newborns, who contract it from the environment in the womb.^[2] Treatments vary according to the nature of the cause, with minor irritations going away on their own.