Israeli veterinary experts say antimicrobial resistance is making certain eye infections increasingly difficult to treat, posing a growing threat worldwide to vision in both animals and humans.

The peer-reviewed research was led by veterinary doctors Lionel Sebbag and Oren Pe’er of the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

“These bacteria can spread from animals with eye infections or skin infections to humans and vice versa,” Sebbag told The Times of Israel in a video call. “This is a serious concern.”

He said that in 10 years, “it will become much more challenging to treat even common eye infections and there will be a greater chance of blindness in both humans and animals.”

The research, which appeared in Veterinary Ophthalmology, calls for more targeted antibiotic use, stronger infection control measures, and increased awareness.

“We need to switch the way we think about antibiotics,” Sebbag said.

One Health: Humans, animals, and a shared environment

Sebbag said that his approach to eye infections is part of a holistic strategy known as the global “One Health” framework, which states that human health, animal health, and the shared environment are deeply interconnected.

“Bacteria and their resistance genes can spread between animals and humans,” said Sebbag. “Many of these bacteria are not limited to a single host, so resistant bacteria can spread between people, animals, and the environment.”

He stressed that the “inappropriate” use of antibiotics drives antimicrobial resistance.

“This makes infections more difficult to treat,” Sebbag explained, “increasing the risk of complications and affecting both animal and human health.”

Overuse of antibiotics

The study examines bacterial keratitis, a serious infection of the cornea, which is among the most urgent emergencies in veterinary eye care.

Without prompt and appropriate treatment, bacterial keratitis can rapidly progress, leading to permanent vision loss or even loss of the eye.

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