Eye Infection Care

Eye infections are uncomfortable occurrences that can happen when a person has been exposed to a virus, bacteria, or fungus! Certain infections, if not treated well, will cause severe issues.

The 2 most common eye infections are conjunctivitis (pink eye) and styes.  Conjunctivitis causes inflammation that makes the white of the eye turn pink or red.
Styes are red bumps on the eyelid that can be painful and may cause swelling or tearing of the eye.  If left untreated, many eye infections can lead to corneal ulcers, which may eventually cause vision loss.

Eye Infection Symptoms

Symptoms of eye infections may include:

• Watery eyes
• Red eyes
• Dry eyes
• Inability to Open Eye lids – “Eyes are glued shut" (conjunctivitis)
• Swelling, itching, pain, and discharge around or in the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty reading or seeing in the distance

Infections of the eye are most commonly transmitted by direct contact, and this is generally the case in children that are experiencing an infection. Because children don’t always wash their hands properly, they can transmit bacteria, fungus, or viruses by simply rubbing their eyes with their fingers or sleeping on a pillow that has been touched by infected hands. Parents are also susceptible to eye infections because of their children. In certain cases, infections can be passed on at birth if the mother has an untreated sexually transmitted disease, but this is exceedingly rare.

Eye Infection Treatment

Some eye infections go away on their own, but it is important to consult with a doctor. Symptoms may clear up, but the underlying cause may still be of concern and require treatment. As mentioned, ignoring eye infections can lead to long-term complications starting at minor disturbances in vision but increasing in severity all the way to permanent vision loss.  South Bay Eye Care is here to diagnose and determine if treatment is required.

There are several forms of treatment, and they are dependent on whether the infection is viral, bacterial, or fungal.

• Viral infections generally require time and rest to clear up, but severe situations require anti-viral drops.
• Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics.
• Fungal infections are eradicated through the use of fungicides.

Some less severe infections are cured through consistent use of warm compresses and over-the-counter medications. We assess every eye infection and determine the best course of action on a case by case basis.

The best way to prevent the occurrence of eye infections is to maintain a clean environment and constantly wash your hands. Pillows and sheets should be cleaned regularly, especially in children’s beds. Following these simple steps will put you on the right track to avoiding infections in the future.