[Etiology of infectious diseases of the outside of the eye].

This study emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and therapy. Modern laboratory techniques were used to scan conjunctival swabs from 287 patients with 305 red eyes between 1.1. 1985 and 1.6. 1985. 17 patients (5.9%) showed Chlamydia infection. The main bacterial organism found was Staphylococcus, mostly of a resistant strain. Allergic conjunctivitis and typical viral infections were not considered in this study. As reported in the recent literature eye infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis are increasing in number.