Eye infections occur when microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses cause harm to different parts of the eyes. Eye infection can bother the person who gets infected with it as he/she may experience redness, pain, itching, swelling and even affect their vision. These infections may appear in different parts. It can affect your eyelid, cornea, conjunctiva.
Common symptoms of eye infections include
- Red eyes
- Pain
- Eye discharge
- Watery eyes
- Dry eyes
- Light Sensitivity
- Swollen eyes
- Swelling around the eyes
- Itching
- Blurry vision
Some of the common Eye infections
1. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is also known by the name Pink eye and is considered as one of the most common eye infections. Conjunctiva is a thin layer that covers the white part of the eyes where infection takes place, that infection is called conjunctivitis where the eyes become red due to the inflammation of the conjunctiva. Some of the causes of conjunctivitis are parasites, fungi, reaction to eye drops, and exposure to chlorine water, smoke, and dirt.
This infection can either affect one or sometimes both the eyes. To treat the bacterial infection Albucid eye drops can be used but the doctor’s discretion is always advised before the use. Conjunctivitis is diagnosed by simply examining the eyes and can be treated at home.
The common symptoms include:
- Discharge from the eyes
- Eyelids stick together upon waking up
- The white part of the eyes look pink or red
- Itchy eyes
- The feeling of something gritty in the eye
- Teary or watery eyes
- Irritation in the eyes
2. Keratitis
The inflammation of the cornea is called Keratitis. . The cornea is the outer layer of the eyes that acts as the outermost lens of eyes. Contaminated water, viruses, contaminated contact lenses, or eye injuries increases the risk of catching keratitis. Wearing lenses for a long time without cleaning them or not storing them in the right manner can increase the chance of germs getting into the cornea and this can become the cause of inflammation. If it is not treated on time then it can cause swelling in the cornea, ulcers in the cornea, or even permanent loss of vision. It can be diagnosed by taking the sample of the cells and sending it to the lab for the result. It can be treated with the help of antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal medicine and one of the most known names for it is lotepred eye drops. Apart from that pills may also be prescribed for it as well.
Symptoms of keratitis include:
- Redness in the eyes
- Irritation in the eyes
- Pain in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
- Decreased vision
- Watery eyes or discharge from the eyes
3. Endophthalmitis
Endophthalmitis is a serious infection of the fluid or tissue that takes place inside the eye that is usually caused by bacteria. It requires immediate medical treatment, or it may cause blindness. This condition develops due to the eye injury caused during surgery like cataract surgery, injection or eye injury. It causes bacteria or fungi to enter the eyes. Sometimes the infection is caused by any other infection in the other parts that can spread to the eyes. This can be cured through antibiotics or antifungal injections and possibly emergency surgery.
Symptoms of endophthalmitis include:
- Pain in the eyes
- Redness in the eyes
- Change in vision
- Light sensitivity
4. Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial or fungal infection that affects the skin and parts of the eyes. It can cause infection in eyelids, or eyeballs. This can be diagnosed with the help of a scan or blood test. The infection can be cured with antibiotic treatment but in more severe cases surgery may be required.
Symptoms of cellulitis in the eye include:
- Bulging of the eye
- Redness in eyelids
- Swelling around the eyes
- Double vision or blurred vision
- Trouble in eye movement
- Fever
- Fatigue
5. Stye
A stye is painful red bumps under the eyelid, follicles of the eye or sometimes it may appear at the base of your eyelashes. When the oil glands in your eyelid or eyelashes get infected with bacteria this condition occurs but are not contagious. A person should not touch his/her eyes with unwashed hands or after touching their nose. The best part about it is that you can get rid of it by taking proper care at home.
Symptoms include:
- A red, painful lump in the eyelid
- A bump that looks like a pimple
- Scratchiness on the eyelid or the area near the eyelash
6. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids that is caused by bacterial infection, dandruff, allergies, due to blocked oil glands in the eyelids or certain skin problems acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis. It can be diagnosed through an eye examination and symptoms. It can be cured at home by regular cleaning of the eyelids and eyelashes with water. If it occurs due to any skin problem then focus is put to cure the skin condition.
Symptoms include:
- Redness of the eyelids
- Swelling if the eyelids
- Itching in the eyelid
- Watery eyes
- Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Feeling of grit in the eye
- Greasy eyelids
- Flaky skin near the eyes
- Eyelashes sticking together
- Light sensitivity
7. Uveitis
Inflammation of the middle layer of your eyeball that is called the uvea is called Uveitis. It can be caused by herpes, which is a virus. It can also happen due to some severe health conditions like herpes zoster infection, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, syphilis, AIDS, ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, or ulcerative colitis. Doctors may diagnose uveitis with blood tests, or an MRI. This condition can be treated with steroids that can be given in the form of pills, eye drops, or injections.
Symptoms include:
- Redness in eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- The appearance of particles in vision
