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.

What are some symptoms associated with dry eyes?

Dry eye syndrome includes an array of symptoms, including:

• burning, “gritty” or scratchy sensations in the eyes
• sensitivity to bright lights
• intermittent periods of excessive tearing
• eye strain or eye fatigue
• blurry vision
• foreign body sensation
• thick discharge from the eyes
• discomfort when wearing contact lenses

Dry eye syndrome almost always affects both eyes. Many people with dry eyes may not be able to wear contact lenses or will need to have frequent eye exams to ensure the cornea remains in good health and doesn't become scratched or irritated by inadequate moisture in the eye. Because tears help cleanse the eye, without proper management, dry eyes may also increase the risk of eye infections.

Why does dry eye syndrome occur?

Dry eyes can have many causes. Today, one of the most common causes of dry eyes is staring for long periods of time at a computer or other electronic device. Prolonged staring tends to suppress the blinking action that is necessary for proper lubrication of the eye surface. Plus the bright lights of computer screens can exacerbate dry eyes. Other causes include problems with the quantity or quality of the tears and problems with the way the tears are distributed across the eye surface, including problems with the eyelids. Plugged tear ducts can also cause dry eyes, and so can prolonged use of medications like acne drugs, high blood pressure medicines, and allergy medications.

What treatments are available for dry eyes?

Treatment for dry eyes depends on what is causing them. Sometimes, dry eye can be treated with lifestyle changes, like taking breaks when using a computer or performing other near work. Many patients benefit from lubricating prescription eye drops, but self-medicating with over-the-counter eye drops should be avoided since long-term use can make symptoms worse. In a few cases, such as when tear ducts are blocked, or eyelids turn inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion), surgery may be needed to correct the cause.