As an optometry practice in Summerville, SC, we know how protective you are of your eyes. The National Eye Institute (NEI) says most cases of pink eye go away on their own. Other infections, especially infections of the cornea, can permanently damage vision if they are not treated.
This guide covers six eye infections, the symptoms they share, and how the most common ones are treated.
Six Eye Infections to Know
The six below range from very common to rare:
1. Infectious Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, causes swelling and redness inside the eyelid and in the white of the eye. The National Eye Institute calls it one of the most common eye problems for both children and adults, and some types spread very easily. Most of the time it is caused by a virus or bacteria, and because the symptoms are usually the same, the exact cause can be hard to tell.
2. Herpes Simplex Keratitis
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, the clear outer layer at the front of the eye, and it can look like pink eye. Herpes keratitis, a form of ocular herpes, is a viral infection of the cornea caused by the herpes simplex virus.
3. Fungal Keratitis
Fungal keratitis is an infection of the cornea caused by a fungus. It can follow an injury to the cornea involving plant material, such as being hit in the eye with a branch, and wearing contact lenses also carries a risk.
4. Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Acanthamoeba keratitis is a corneal infection that usually affects people who wear contact lenses. Acanthamoeba is one of the most common organisms in the environment and has been found in water sources from pools and hot tubs to showers. It rarely causes infection, but when it does, the infection can threaten vision.
The American Optometric Association lists swimming in contact lenses among the risk factors, and the FDA advises removing contact lenses before swimming, because pool water, hot tubs, lakes and the ocean all carry a risk of eye infection.
5. Trachoma
Trachoma is the most common infectious cause of blindness worldwide. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person, with flies, or with contaminated objects such as towels. If it is not treated, scarring inside the eyelid turns the eyelashes inward so that they scratch the cornea. Over time, usually after repeated infections, this can cloud the cornea and lead to vision loss.
6. Endophthalmitis
Endophthalmitis is an infection of the tissues or fluids inside the eye. It can follow eye surgery, an injection into the eye or an eye injury. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) calls it a medical emergency that can cause blindness if it is not treated quickly, and advises anyone with symptoms to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Other Infections and Complications
Infections can also settle in the eyelid or the tear drainage system. Most styes, the sore red lumps near the edge of an eyelid, are caused by a bacterial infection. A chalazion is a different bump that forms when an oil gland in the eyelid clogs, and it may start as a stye inside the eyelid. When a tear duct is blocked, germs can get trapped in the small pouch beside the nose where tears collect and cause an infection called dacryocystitis.
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea. It usually results from an eye infection, though severe dry eye and other eye disorders can also raise the risk of one, and an untreated corneal ulcer can permanently damage vision.
Symptoms You Should Watch Out For
Symptoms vary by infection, and many of them overlap, so the cause is not always obvious without an eye exam. Symptoms that often appear include:
- Red eyes
- Pain
- Watery eyes
- Swelling
- Itchiness
- Discharge from the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
If you are not sure what is behind your symptoms, an eye doctor in Summerville can examine your eyes and help find the cause. Our practice also offers emergency office visits; that page explains how the office handles them and how to reach us.
How Eye Infections Are Treated
Treatment depends on the cause.
1. Bacterial Pink Eye
For bacterial pink eye, treatment can include:
- Antibiotic eye drops
- Antibiotic ointment
NEI notes that antibiotics are not always needed for bacterial pink eye, so ask your doctor whether they recommend them for you.
2. Viral Eye Infections
Viral pink eye, the most common type, usually gets better on its own without medicine, and antibiotics do not help it. Herpes keratitis is different: it needs a doctor’s care, and its treatment, which depends on how severe the infection is, usually includes antiviral medicine.
How to Prevent Eye Infections in the Future
Wash your hands before you touch your eyes, and don’t share pillows, towels, makeup or other personal items with someone who has an eye infection. If you wear contact lenses, always follow the instructions to clean, disinfect and store them, which can help prevent corneal infections such as keratitis, and don’t sleep in them unless your eye doctor has prescribed lenses for that.