Common Types of Eye Infections

Eye infections are not only uncomfortable but can also affect your vision if left untreated. They come in various forms, from mild irritations to serious conditions that require medical intervention. Fortunately, knowing about the common types of eye infections will help you catch early warning signs and seek the right treatment. 

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, occurs when the thin membrane covering the white part of your eye, known as the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed. This condition is caused by a variety of triggers, including viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants like smoke or chlorine.

The symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness or a pink tint in the whites of the eyes, accompanied by an itching or burning sensation. You may also experience discharge, which might cause your eyelids to stick together, especially after sleep. Depending on the cause, the discharge will be watery or thick and yellow-green.

Viral conjunctivitis is often associated with the common cold and spreads easily through direct contact. Bacterial conjunctivitis, commonly caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus is also highly contagious. In contrast, allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by allergens like pollen or pet dander and is not contagious.

Viral conjunctivitis typically clears up on its own within a week or two, with relief offered by cold compresses and lubricating eye drops. Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops, while allergic conjunctivitis is managed with antihistamine drops or oral allergy medications. To prevent the spread of conjunctivitis, it is important to avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands, refrain from sharing towels or makeup, and keep personal items clean.

Keratitis

Keratitis is an infection that affects the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye. This condition is usually caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites, but it is commonly seen in people who wear contact lenses, especially when proper hygiene isn't followed.

Common symptoms of keratitis include eye pain and redness, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to light. You might also notice excessive tearing or discharge, and it can sometimes feel like there is something stuck in your eye.

Bacterial keratitis is often linked to improper contact lens use, such as wearing lenses for too long or failing to clean them properly. Viral keratitis, which is caused by the herpes simplex virus, is recurrent and requires prompt treatment. In rare cases, fungal keratitis occurs, especially following an eye injury involving plant material, such as being scratched by a tree branch.

The treatment for bacterial keratitis is antibiotic eye drops, while the treatment for viral keratitis is antiviral medications. Preventing keratitis primarily involves practicing good contact lens hygiene. Always wash your hands before handling your lenses, clean them with the recommended solution, and avoid sleeping in your lenses unless advised by your doctor.

Stye (Hordeolum)

A stye is a painful red lump near the edge of the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection in an oil gland or hair follicle. While styes look alarming, they are generally harmless and tend to go away on their own.

Symptoms of a stye include a noticeable red, swollen bump on the eyelid, along with pain or tenderness in the area. Your eye also becomes more sensitive to light, and you might experience watery eyes or crusting along the eyelid.

Styes are often caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, which invade an oil gland or eyelash follicle. Several factors increase the risk of developing a stye, such as poor eyelid hygiene, using old or contaminated makeup, and having skin conditions like rosacea or blepharitis.

The good news is most styes go away on their own after a few days. Applying a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day helps the stye drain naturally. However, it's important not to squeeze or pop the stye, as this spreads the infection. To reduce the risk of styes, maintain good eyelid hygiene, wash your face regularly, and replace eye makeup frequently.

Uveitis

Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that contains most of the eye’s blood vessels. This condition results from infections, autoimmune disorders, or injuries, and it requires prompt treatment to avoid permanent damage to your vision.

Symptoms of uveitis include eye redness and pain, accompanied by blurred vision, light sensitivity, and dark spots (floaters) in your vision. In severe cases, you may also experience decreased vision.

Uveitis can be caused by infections such as herpes, syphilis, or tuberculosis, as well as autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Eye injuries or trauma also lead to inflammation in the uvea.

Treatment for uveitis involves corticosteroid eye drops to reduce inflammation. In cases where an infection is present, antibiotics or antiviral medications are necessary. Because uveitis can recur, follow your doctor's instructions carefully and attend regular eye exams.

Fungal Eye Infections

Although rare, fungal eye infections sometimes occur, particularly after an eye injury involving organic material like a tree branch or thorn. These infections also develop if contaminated contact lenses are worn. The fungi usually responsible for these infections include Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Candida.

Symptoms of fungal eye infections include eye pain or redness, blurred vision, excessive tearing, and sensitivity to light. You may also notice a discharge from the infected eye.

Fungal eye infections typically occur following an injury that introduces fungi into the eye. They also result from the use of contaminated contact lenses or sleeping in contact lenses. If not treated promptly, these infections could lead to serious complications, including vision loss.

Treatment for fungal eye infections involves antifungal medications, which are typically administered as eye drops or oral medications depending on the severity. To reduce the risk of fungal infections, protect your eyes during outdoor activities, maintain good contact lens hygiene, and seek medical attention immediately following any eye injury.

At Baptist Eye Surgeons, we take care of your eyes. If you need assistance with an eye infection, contact us today!