Eye Infections

How can I tell if I have an eye infection?

Eye infections can cause different symptoms depending on the type of infection, the area of the eye that is infected and other factors. Some of the most common signs of infection include:

• eye pain
• thick discharge from the eyes and tear ducts
• itching or burning sensations
• foreign object sensation (the sensation that something is sticking in the eye)
• blurry vision or other vision issues
• increased sensitivity to light
• soreness in the eyes or lids
• pink or reddish coloration of the whites of the eyes

Some infections may also be accompanied by fever or a headache.

What causes eye infections?

Eye infections are most commonly caused by rubbing the eyes when the hands or fingers have germs on them. Conjunctivitis is a very common eye infection that is passed from one person to another in this manner. Conjunctivitis and other types of infections can also be spread by sharing eye makeup. Other eye infections can be caused by wearing contact lenses that have not been properly cleaned and have become contaminated by germs. And still other infections can form when germs enter the eye through a small scratch on the cornea, or when germs from an eyelid infection are spread to the eye. Infections can occur inside the eye, in the surface structures of the eye, or in the lids or tear ducts.

What kinds of treatments are available for eye infections?

Treatments for eye infections depend on the pathogen that is causing the infection as well as the area of the eye that has become infected. Many infections can be treated with prescription eye drops, sometimes combined with oral medications to treat infections systemically. Patients who wear contact lenses will usually need to switch to wearing eyeglasses until the infection is completely healed. Eye infections should be treated as early as possible to avoid serious complications including blindness.