[Traumatic and iatrogenic ocular infections: specimen handling and role of the laboratory].

Ocular inflammations may be due to a variety of diseases, and microorganisms play a major role in both acute and chronic eye diseases. Treatment of serious infections needs a good microbiological diagnostic. The indications and techniques for investigations are determined by the site of infection, severity of the process, and knowledge of the likely responsible organisms. Immediate inoculation of specimens on culture media in the examining room is often recommended. This article describes organisms associated with ocular infections, and is designed to assists ophthalmologists in the collection, processing and transport of specimens.