The concept of focal infections in ophthalmology

ABSTRACT

The state of controversy over the concept of focal infection is mentioned. Its role in ophthalmology in the light of local clinical materials and experience is discussed and illustrated by representative and instructive case reports. The clinical deduction from these cases as well as the objections to the concept of focal infection are summarized and a scheme of the workings of the concept is presented aided by diagram. Although the authors believe in the concept of focal infection in ophthalmology they take a balanced, cautious attitude toward it. They are against indiscriminate removal of any focus of infection. Individualization of cases is advocated and multiplicity of factors is emphasized. They hold the concept "not with the over enthusiasm of faith, but with the hope and modesty of knowledge."(Summary)