Eye Infections: Everything You Need To Know
July 29, 2021 | Farah Jassawalla

Eye Infections: Everything You Need To Know

Eye infections are a common affliction facing us that should be appropriately diagnosed and quickly dealt with. Our eyes are a part of our body that is directly exposed to pathogens and can quite easily contract infections. Here we shall discuss what an eye infection is, how to identify one and what course of action to take.

What is an Eye Infection?

An eye infection occurs when a microorganism enters your eye past your eyelid. The cause of the infection can be due to these three causes:

        Virus

       Bacteria

       Fungus

It is important to identify the cause, so it can be treated accordingly.

Symptoms of an Eye Infection

Here are some common symptoms of an eye infection that can help you identify it:

       Redness in the white part of your eye (the cornea)

       Irritation (it might feel like you have something in your eye)

       Itching

       Dryness

       Pain

       Blurred vision

       Tenderness (eye hurts when you touch it)

       Watery eyes

       Discharge (you might notice crusted eyelashes and eyelids after waking up)

Common Eye Infections

Here are some common infections that you may face

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye):

It is characterized as an infection in the white part of your eyeball. The conjunctiva is the clear membrane that covers the exposed area of your eyeball. As a result, your eye gets a pink tint. Viruses and bacteria can both be the cause of conjunctivitis. However, in adults, it is more likely to be caused by viruses, while in children, it is more likely to be caused by bacteria. You should note that this infection is not the sole cause of pink eye. Eyes can turn that shade due to irritants and allergic reactions as well. 

Conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so it is crucial to catch it quickly and be careful. It can spread rapidly in environments where people work closely. These environments mainly include schools and offices. 

This infection can heal itself naturally, but medication can help speed up the process.

Keratitis:

It is an inflammation of your eye in the cornea, which is the white part of your eyeball. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or water parasites. This is a common affliction faced by people who regularly use contact lenses. Symptoms of keratitis are nearly similar to those of conjunctivitis. In addition, keratitis can also lead to sensitivity to light, blurry vision, a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, or difficulty opening the eyes.

Stye:

This condition is characterized by an infection of the lower eyelid that looks like a red bump filled with pus. Most of the time, these bumps disappear without treatment within a few days, although some antibiotic ointments may relieve the pain.

Treatment for Eye Infections

Most eye infections will heal on their own if left untreated. Medicine can help alleviate some symptoms and speed up the healing process. Some eye infections can lead to blindness if left untreated. Hence, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind when faced with an eye infection:

       If you have contracted an eye infection, it is vital to wash your hands frequently 

       Avoid touching your eyes

       You may apply a wet cloth to your eyes to ease the pain

See a doctor who may prescribe you medicine according to your particular case. It may take the form of antihistamines, viral/fungal/bacterial eye drops, antibiotics, etc. You can acquire these medications online at Shifa4U.

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Farah Jassawalla

Farah Jassawalla is a graduate of the Lahore School of Economics. She is also a writer, and healthcare enthusiast, having closely observed case studies while working with Lahore's thriving general physicians at their clinics.