Your eyes perform a great deal of work daily. It only takes a moment of you rubbing them in with unclean hands, sharing a wash cloth, or spending time in a dusty environment to bring on an eye infection. While in most cases these infections run their course and improve with proper care, going without treatment may cause serious issues. This guide we put together covers the common eye infection symptoms, what causes them and also which are the best eye infection treatment options we have today.
What Is an Eye Infection?
An ocular infection is what happens when harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites get into the eye or the surrounding tissues. They affect various components of the eye, which may include the conjunctiva, which is the thin layer of tissue that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids, as well as the cornea, eyelids, or, in more serious cases, the inner structures of the eye. In India, we see a very large scale of eye infections, which in particular are common during summer and monsoon. High humidity, contaminated water, and increased microbial growth present a perfect environment for infections to take place. Getting in to see a health care professional for a diagnosis is the first step to safe treatment and a quick recovery.
Common Eye Infection Symptoms
Recognizing early signs of eye infection may prevent the issue from becoming worse.
Which at this time include:
- Redness in the white of the eye which also may present as a pink tone.
- Watery or thick secretion (yellow, green, or white).
- Eye crustiness at the corners of the eyes upon awakening.
- Burning and itchy, also a sensation as if there is a pebble in the eye.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Bleeding of the eyelid or conjunctiva.
- Feeling like something is in my eye.
- Increased tearing
- Eye pain or tenderness.
Symptom picture and severity may vary by if the infection is bacterial, viral or fungal. At the sign of more than two of these issues lasting past 48 hours it is recommended you seek professional care as soon as possible.
What Causes Eye Infections?
It is that which we must determine in order to properly treat the issue. Also, as it turns out there are that which eye infections present in terms of their origin:
1. Bacterial Infections
Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria which are very present in cases of bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharitis they put out thick discharge and crusting. As for bacterial keratitis which is a serious form of corneal infection that’s also at large that which is tied in with improper contact lens use.
2. Viral Infections
Adenovirus is the leading cause of viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) which is very easy to pass through skin to skin contact. Also Herpes simplex virus (HSV) may affect the cornea and if left untreated may cause permanent scar tissue and vision loss.
3. Fungal Infections
Fungal keratitis is a less common form of the disease but is more difficult to treat. It usually appears after an eye injury which includes plant material or soil, or in individuals with weak immune systems.
4. Allergic Conjunctivitis
Triggers of which may be from pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and cosmetics. Although it is not caused by an agent, the inflammatory process is very much like that of infectious conjunctivitis. This condition usually affects both eyes.
5. Other Risk Elements
- Poor hand hygiene
- Using towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup.
- Wearing contacts for long periods of time or without proper cleaning of the lenses.
- Swimming in contaminated water of poor quality.
- Exposure to smoke, dust and chemicals.
- We see it in patients with diabetes or who have a systemic illness.
How Is an Eye Infection Diagnosed?
A proper diagnosis is essential before starting any eye infection treatment. At a structured eye hospital, the evaluation typically includes:
- Visual acuity assessment
- Slump of the slit lamp for cornea, conjunctiva and eyelid.
- Fluorescein dye used in the detection of corneal ulcers or abrasions.
- Eye secretion culture to identify bacterial or fungal species.
- Intraocular pressure checked if glaucoma is an issue.
- Systematic review of patients with diabetes or immune disorders.
In most of the cases we are able to determine the type of infection from clinical picture but a culture test which we perform gives more precise information in case of severe eye infection symptoms or when infection does not respond to the initial treatment.
Eye Infection Treatment: What Works and When
Which treatment is to be used is dependent upon the type and size of the infection. We do not recommend self medicating with over the counter drops which in fact may hide eye infection symptoms and delay proper care. Also here is how specialist level different infections are managed:.
Bacterial Eye Infection Treatment
Antibiotic eye drops and ointments (for instance tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, or moxifloxacin) are the mainstay of treatment. Warm compresses which help to loosen crusting and which in turn ease discomfort. Also most cases resolve within 5 to 7 days with regular use of the prescribed drops.
Viral Eye Infection Treatment.
Viral conjunctivitis due to adenovirus is a self limiting condition which we manage with lubricating drops and cold compresses to reduce swelling. For herpes related corneal infections we prescribe antiviral drops or oral antivirals. Steroids which we use with care to control inflammation are an option that we employ under very close medical supervision.
Fungal Eye Infection Treatment
Antifungal eye drops (of natamycin, voriconazole) are the mainstay of treatment for fungal keratitis. Treatment is of a prolonged duration often several weeks and regular follow up is key to see that the cornea heals fully without scar tissue.
Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment
Antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and in some cases mild topical steroids are prescribed. Also it is important to identify and avoid the allergen for long term relief. When Surgery May Be Needed.
In some cases we see development of corneal scarring, persistent ulcers, or endophthalmitis (infection inside the eye) which may require surgery including corneal transplantation and intravitreal antibiotic injections. This type of care is provided by expert specialists as part of a full range of eye treatment services at advanced eye care centers.
Recovery Tips After Treatment
- Use the full course of all prescribed drops and ointments even if your eye infection symptoms improve early.
- Avoid putting your hands to your eyes without washing them first properly know how to wash eyes.
- During the infection period use separate clean towels and pillowcases.
- Remove your contact lenses and do not put them back in until you are fully recovered.
- Wear outdoor glasses to reduce light sensitivity.
- Until the infection is fully resolved.
- Attend all your follow up appointments to ensure full healing.
Prevention: Protecting Your Eyes Every Day
Most eye infections are preventable with simple habits:
- Wash your hands well before you touch your face or eyes.
- Never put out your personal stuff like eye drops, towels, or makeup.
- Clean your contacts as directed and to schedule.
- Wear eye protection in dusty, chemical, or high risk environments.
- Avoid swimming with contact lenses
- Keep your blood pressure in check if you have diabetes.
- Starting at age 40, schedule regular eye exams.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Book an appointment promptly if:
- Eye redness, discharge, or pain which has gone on for over 2 days.
- Vision which is impaired or light sensitivity is great.
- The eye lid is very swollen or you notice a growth.
- Eye infection symptoms persist with use of over-the-counter drops.
- You notice that your contacts are causing you pain and are also cloudy.
- A foreign substance has entered the eye.
Eye Infection Care at Vasan Eye Care
Vasan Eye Care which has been at it for 15 years since 2002 as a part of ASG Enterprises has grown to have over 150 super speciality centers and a team of 500+ ophthalmologists. We treat it all from what is common like bacterial conjunctivitis to the very complex like fungal keratitis. For those in search of reliable eye care in India we at Vasan Eye Care combine the best in diagnostic tech with personalized care plans to bring about quick and safe recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Eye infections may be of bacterial, viral, fungal or allergic causes which in turn require different treatments.
- We see redness, discharge, itching and blurred vision as very common eye infection symptoms.
- Do not diagnose and treat yourself; always see an eye specialist for proper diagnosis.
- Most infections clear up fast with the right antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal drops.
- As it stands now the best form of prevention is good hygiene and regular check ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mild viral conjunctivitis may run its course in 1–2 weeks without medical intervention. As for bacterial and fungal issues, prescribed treatment is necessary to get rid of them and to avoid problems. It is always best to see a professional instead of waiting.
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are very much a contagion which can pass through direct contact, shared items, or touch with contaminated surfaces. Proper hand hygiene and keeping distance from others during your infection is very important.
Bacterial infections usually resolve within 5 to 7 days with antibiotics. Viral infections may take 1 to 2 weeks. Fungal keratitis often requires 4 to 6 weeks of antifungal therapy. Also it depends how early in the course of illness that treatment was started and the patient’s over all health.
No. Contact lenses must be removed At first sign of an infection you must remove contact lenses and wait for your doctor to confirm full recovery before you wear them again. Also this practice increases risk of corneal damage.
References
1. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye Infections. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-eye-infections
2. National Eye Institute. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis). https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/pink-eye
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Bacterial Keratitis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559042/
4. WebMD. Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) Treatment. https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-infections