Eye Infections
Eye infections can occur at any time and on any part of the eye, causing miserable symptoms. They can be caused by a wide range of organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and other microbiological agents. Most people, especially contact lens wearers, will have some type of eye infection over the course of their life, so it is important to learn more about eye infections. What are some of the symptoms of an eye infection?
Avoiding eye infections is often a matter of hygiene. Washing your hands before touching your eyes, if you have to touch your eyes, is the first line of defense. Quickly tending to an eye infection you do contract is an excellent way of treating it so it won't get worse. Eyes are pretty durable organs, but take care anyway.
Common symptoms of eye infections can include:
- Chronic redness in or around the eye
- Eye discomfort
- Itchy eyes
- Eye discharge
- Eye pain
- Flaking of the eyelids
- Vision that is blurred
- Swelling around the eyes or eyelids
Your eye infection can include all or just a few of these symptoms. It is important to note that some of these symptoms can be the signal of an allergy, rather than an infection, but it is important that you visit the doctor to ensure that you get proper treatment for your particular condition.
One of the most common eye infections in children and adults is pink eye, or conjunctivitis. Pink eye occurs when the conjunctiva is inflamed due to infection. This infection is noticed by the pink tinge of the eyes, eye drainage, watery eyes, yellow or green discharge that may become gooey or crusty along the eyelids while sleeping, sensitivity to light, and discomfort in the eye.
Pink eye can occur in just one eye or both eyes. Pink eye can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergens, and each type shows unique symptoms. Although this is considered to be a milder eye infection, it is important that it be treated, as bacterial and viral conjunctivitis is contagious. Treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis normally includes antibiotic eye drops or ointment that is applied directly to the eye area. Some over the counter medications can give relief from the allergic form of conjunctivitis, but the viral form will need to run its course, although you can use over the counter medications for relief from some of the symptoms.
A stye is another common eye infection. A stye occurs when a bacterial infection obstructs the oil glands that are on and around the eyelids and eyelashes. This small bump can cause several different symptoms, including eye discomfort, excessive tearing, swelling around the area that is affected, and light sensitivity. It will go away if allowed to run its own course, but there are some things you can do to relieve the symptoms, including applying warm compresses to the area three to four times a day and applying antibiotic ointment or drops to the eye. Rarely do styes not go away, but if they do not, surgical drainage can be done to help relieve symptoms.
Other eye infections can occur as well, but quick treatment can help to decrease the severity of the symptoms, so that you can live your life. You can prevent eye infections by not touching your eyes with unwashed hands, washing your hands frequently, taking care of your contact lenses as directed by your doctor, and staying away from irritants that can affect your eye. Early treatment can help decrease your symptoms as well. Take care of your eyes for they are your window to the world.
