The acute infections of the external eye are caused by a vivid range of microbiological pathogens encompassing bacteria, viruses and fungi. The most common eye infections include Blepharitis, Styes, conjunctivitis and keratitis. Recent studies have shown that the types of pathogenic organisms are constantly changing and as are their antibiotic resistance patterns. Moreover we are now faced with the emergence of resistance as resistance is a naturally occurring process. Thus successful management of any infection requires correct identification of the etiological pathogen and further the appropriate choice of the antibiotic. The department aims to identify the pathogens associated with the most common eye infections. Further the department also intends to run a long term surveillance program of monitoring the antibiotic resistance pattern of ocular pathogens that would keep a check of the increasing trend of resistance.

The department is equipped with a laminar air flow, incubator shaker, PCR, UV-visible spectrophotometer, centrifuges, etc.