Ophthalmia, << of THAL mee uh, >> is a name for severe diseases affecting the eye membranes. These diseases may be caused by infections, poisons, or injuries. For example, ophthalmia neonatorum is an infection of the eyes of newborn babies, usually caused by the germ that causes gonorrhea. Sympathetic ophthalmia, a rare condition, spreads to both eyes after a serious injury to one eye and can lead to blindness if untreated. See also Blindness (Diseases) .
