Lay summary
Non-pharmacological, light-based anti-infective approaches have the potential to kill a wide range of microorganisms, irrespective of antimicrobial resistance status. Using Ultraviolet C light (200-280 nm), microbial cells can be rapidly killed through DNA damage. The method effectively manages all infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. I have previously shown that low-intensity UVC kills bacteria irrespective of the antibiotic-resistance profile, as well as yeast, fungi, and multiple pathogens grown together as in a polymicrobial infection and is safe for the cornea. Therefore, it is hypothesised that UVC will rapidly cure yeast corneal infection without affecting host cells while killing other bacterial co-pathogens. Data obtained from this project, when combined with previously published data from my research, will lay the foundations for developing a novel, light-based, cost-effective empiric treatment for corneal infections.