Eye infections are a common problem that affects most people at one time or another. Most people who visit an eye specialist do so because they suspect they have an infection. If your eyes are itchy and starting to change color, it could be due to an infection.
Infections can show up in different ways, depending on the part of the eye that has the issue. The symptoms can appear on the cornea, eyelid, or conjunctiva. Here are the most common eye infections.
An eye infection may be in one or both eyes. Some signs can indicate that you have an eye infection. They include:
Itchy eyes
Eye pain or discomfort
Burning sensation in the eye
A feeling that something is in the eye
An eyelid that is tender to the touch
Small and painful lump at the edge of the eyelid
Eye irritation
Constant eye tearing
Clear, yellow, or green discharge from the eye
Swollen eyelids
Pink in the white of the eye
If you experience blurry vision, it may be due to an infection. You may also experience fever, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty wearing contact lenses.
There are different types of eye infections. They include conjunctivitis (pinkeye), stye, keratitis, uveitis, and fungal. The infections are classified based on their location and cause. Before determining the best treatment, an eye doctor will examine the eye.
A fluid or tissue sample may be sent to the lab for further testing. The doctor will prescribe the best medication or treatment based on the lab results.
Conjunctivitis or pinkeye is the most common eye infection called conjunctiva inflammation. The clear, thin tissue covers the white of the eye and the inner eyelid. This infection is highly contagious and common among children, but it is rarely severe and is unlikely to damage vision.
Prompt treatment is essential to prevent spreading. Conjunctivitis usually clears up after treatment with no long-term effects.
Conjunctivitis can be due to several things, including viruses, bacteria, irritants, allergic reactions, reactions to medications, parasites, fungi, and amoebas. People who wear contact lenses may develop an allergic reaction, causing an eye infection.
Conjunctivitis may also be due to sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. A pregnant woman with an STD can pass conjunctivitis to the baby during delivery. Prompt treatment is vital to avoid threatening the baby’s vision.
There are different types of conjunctivitis, including:
Viral Conjunctivitis
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Chlamydial Conjunctivitis
Gonococcal Conjunctivitis
Herpes Simplex Keratitis
Infectious Keratitis
Bacterial Keratitis
Infectious Endophthalmitis
It is necessary to know that not all red eyes are due to infections. Conjunctivitis is the most common type of eye infection, with most cases being viral. Some eye infections do not respond to treatment with antibiotic eye drops. Infectious keratitis (corneal infection) and endophthalmitis require emergency specialist treatment as the infections can lead to vision loss. It is crucial to get medical treatment for an eye infection.
For more on the most common eye infection, visit Enochs Eye Care, Clarity Vision of Suffolk at our offices in Suffolk, Virginia. Call (757) 638-2015 to schedule an appointment today.