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Conditions > Eye Infections

Eye Infections

Eye infections occur when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, or fungi invade parts of the eye, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

They can affect various parts of the eye, including the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids), cornea, eyelids, or the deeper structures of the eye.

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Typical Signs Of Ocular Infections

Some symptoms of prevalent eye infections include:

Swelling: Puffiness or swelling around the eyes can signal inflammation or infection.
Redness: Often a sign of irritation or infection, redness can range from mild to severe.
Itching And Discomfort: Persistent itching and discomfort can indicate allergic reactions or infection.
Vision Changes: Blurry vision or sensitivity to light are serious symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention.
Discharge: Thick, yellow-green discharge may suggest a bacterial infection, while clear, watery discharge can be associated with viral infections.

Common Types Of Eye Infections

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies.
Uveitis, an inflammation of the uvea, is frequently associated with autoimmune diseases or infections.
Blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelid, is frequently the result of seborrheic dermatitis or a bacterial infection.
Keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, may be due to bacterial or viral infections, such as herpes simplex, or fungal sources and is often linked to contact lens use.

Pediatric Eye Infections

Children are particularly vulnerable to eye infections, which can be especially difficult to handle. Among the most common eye infections in children are conjunctivitis, which is highly contagious and often necessitates antibiotic treatment if bacterial.

Styes, which present as painful lumps on the eyelid, are usually treated with warm compresses and, occasionally, antibiotics.

Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, can also be managed effectively through diligent eyelid hygiene.

Benefits Of Early Treatment

Early detection and prompt treatment of eye infections are essential for avoiding complications and ensuring a swift recovery. It helps prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the eye or to other individuals.

By treating the infection early, you can also help prevent it from worsening or causing further damage.

Additionally, swift intervention can alleviate discomfort sooner and minimise disruption to your daily activities.

Risk Factors For Eye Infections

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing an eye infection. Improper handling, inadequate cleaning, or prolonged use of contact lenses can increase the likelihood of infection. Also avoid using expired or contaminated solutions.

Conditions like diabetes or the use of immunosuppressive medications can make you more vulnerable. Of course, failing to wash your hands regularly or touching your eyes with unclean hands can further raise your risk of infection. Use clean towels and avoid sharing personal items like makeup or eye drops.

Infectious Causes Of Eye Infections

Parasites: Eye infections caused by parasites such as Acanthamoeba can occur, particularly among contact lens users, leading to serious and challenging conditions.
Viruses: Viral infections, including those caused by adenoviruses, herpes simplex virus, or varicella-zoster virus, can lead to eye conditions such as conjunctivitis or keratitis, resulting in significant discomfort and potential vision issues.
Bacteria: Bacterial infections from organisms like Staphylococcus or Streptococcus can cause conditions such as conjunctivitis or blepharitis, leading to redness, swelling, and discharge.
Fungi: Fungal infections caused by Candida or Aspergillus can affect the cornea, leading to keratitis, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Non-Infectious Contributors

Allergens: Reactions to substances such as pollen, dust, or pet dander can trigger allergic conjunctivitis, resulting in eye discomfort and inflammation.
Irritants: Contact with irritants like smoke, chemicals, or chlorine can lead to inflammation or infections of the eyes, causing significant discomfort and potential damage.
Contact Lenses: Improper hygiene or prolonged use of contact lenses heightens the risk of bacterial or fungal infections, potentially leading to serious eye complications.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can lead to inflammation and infection of the eye structures, including uveitis, due to the body’s immune system attacking its own tissues.

Statistics

of all cases of acute conjunctivitis may be caused by viral infection

0 %

of cases of acute conjunctivitis are estimated to be caused by HSV

0 -4.8%

of all GP consultations in the UK are accounted to acute infective conjunctivitis

0 %

of conjunctivitis in children are thought to be due to bacterial infection

0 -75%

What to do next

Even if your symptoms are mild, it is a good idea to get your eyes checked by a doctor to ensure that you are getting proper treatment.

Make an appointment to see one of our team by calling or using our online booking system today.

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How can I avoid spreading an eye infection?

Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. Regular washing of your hands is important to stop the infection from spreading. It is also a good idea to avoid sharing pillow cases, towels, and make-up.

Can I get an eye infection from a swimming pool?

Swimming pools usually contain chlorine, which kills the bacteria that cause infection. If you are swimming in a dirty or unchlorinated pool, you could be more at risk of developing an eye infection.

How are eye infections treated?

Eye infections are usually treated with prescription antibiotics, eye drops, ointments, or compresses, depending on the doctor’s evaluation of your case.

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