Chronic Conditions 8 MIN READ 1226 VIEWS February 26, 2024

Eye Infections: Shedding Light on Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Written By HealthKart
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Aarti Nehra

One of the most common occurrences that tends to affect people of almost all ages is an eye infection. Eye infections are caused by bacteria, fungus, and viruses. Causing itching, puffiness, swelling, redness, discomfort, and even vision impairment at times, eye infections can happen in different areas of the eyes (eyelid, cornea, or any external part) and can infect one eye or even both eyes. 

Some infections are not severe and can easily be treated. But some can pose serious threats like vision loss. Eye infections are not hard to spot, which is why it is easier to seek prompt medical treatment and avoid any complications. So, it is better to have an understanding about different infections and their causes so that you can keep them at bay in the first place.

So, before we proceed with the treatment options and prevention techniques, let’s first discuss the different types of eye infections as well as their symptoms and causes.

Types of Eye Infections, Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Eye infections are sure tough to deal with but the good news is that if diagnosed at an early stage, some of them may be completely cured. In this article, we have mentioned seven types of eye infections, their causes, and major symptoms so that you can easily spot them and seek medical treatment accordingly. So, without further ado, let’s proceed ahead.

1. Conjunctivitis

This is one of the most common types of eye infections. Also known as pink eye, this infection happens when bacteria or virus infects the outermost membrane that surrounds your eyeball (aka conjunctiva). This causes your eyes to become red/pink and inflamed. At times, pink eye also happens due to allergies (like pet dander, pollen, or dust mites) or exposure to certain chemicals (like chlorine). Conjunctivitis, which occurs due to bacteria or virus, is known to be highly contagious, and spreads easily. Some of the common symptoms of this eye infection are: 

  • Red/pink eyes
  • Water discharge from eyes, which is extremely thick when you wake up
  • Crusting together of eyelids
  • Constant feeling that there is something present in the eyes
  • Itchy eyes
  • Production of more tears than usual, particularly in one eye

After you are diagnosed with conjunctivitis, your healthcare provider will suggest any of the following types of treatment depending upon its type and cause:

  • Viral: There is no treatment per se when this eye infection is caused due to a virus. You can apply cold compresses or a warm, clean, and wet cloth to your eyes for alleviating discomfort. At times, your doctor may also prescribe topical antihistamines or artificial tears to relieve the uncomfortable eye infection symptoms. In addition, make sure to wash hands properly and avoid contact with your eyes.
  • Bacteria: If you have been infected with bacterial conjunctivitis, your doctor will prescribe eye drops, ointments, and/or oral medication in order to destroy the bacteria. After you start the prescribed treatment, eye infection symptoms are supposed to fade away in a matter of a few days.
  • Allergies: For conjunctivitis caused due to allergens, over-the-counter antihistamines or medications are prescribed in order to relieve eye infection symptoms.

2. Keratitis

This is another common type of eye infection and occurs if your cornea, which is the clear outer layer located on the coloured part of the eye, is infected or inflamed. This infection may be caused due to bacteria, fungi, virus, parasite, or even an eye injury. Keratitis isn’t infectious at all times but may require medical attention in order to avoid any severity or complication. This eye infection can be caused due to:

  • Contact lenses
  • Weak immune system
  • Certain climatic conditions like humidity
  • Eye injuries/diseases
  • Exposure to contaminated water
  • Herpes simplex virus infecting the cornea

Symptoms of keratitis are quite similar to those of pink eye. Hence, it is all the more important to consult your doctor in order to pinpoint the eye infection and its cause. Some of the common symptoms of this eye infection are:

  • Redness, swelling, and irritation of one/both eyes
  • Discomfort and pain in the eyes
  • Production of more tears than usual
  • A feeling that there is something in the eye
  • sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision
  • Abnormal discharge or watery eyes

Your healthcare provider may conduct some tests in order to diagnose the type of keratitis you are suffering from and accordingly prescribe treatment for this eye infection. Some of the management options for keratitis include:

  • Viral: For treating viral keratitis, your doctor may prescribe oral antiviral medications or eyedrops. This may help alleviate eye infection symptoms in a week or so.
  • Fungal: For killing fungal organisms, your healthcare provider may recommend antifungal eye drops or medicine.
  • Bacterial: If the infection is mild and has been caused by a bacteria, you may be prescribed antibacterial eye drops. However, for severe infections, you may have to take oral antibiotics.

3. Endophthalmitis

When the insides of your eye are severely inflamed due to bacterial or fungal infections, endophthalmitis is supposed to be the main reason. One of the most common causes of this eye infection is candida fungal infections. This condition requires immediate treatment as it may result in permanent vision loss. This condition might be caused due to some eye injuries, surgeries, including cataract, or if an object penetrates the eyes. Some of the common symptoms of this eye infection, which you need to watch out, are:

  • Mild to severe pain in eyes
  • Blurry or changes in vision
  • Swelling or redness around the eye as well as eyelids
  • Eye pus/discharge
  • Sensitivity to lights

Treatment of this condition is dependent on what type of endophthalmitis you have and how severe it is. Your healthcare provider may inject antibiotics in your eyes in order to control the infection. For alleviating inflammation, you might be given a corticosteroid shot as well. And, if the infection has been caused by some foreign object piercing your eyes, then you might have to get it removed at the earliest. But never make the mistake of removing it by yourself as it may do more harm than good.

4. Blepharitis

An inflammation of the eyelids, blepharitis can occur due to many reasons, including allergies, bacterial infection, certain skin conditions or clogged oil glands in the eyelids. Some of the main symptoms of this eye infection are:

  • Redness, itching, or swelling of eyes or eyelids
  • Watery eyes
  • Eyelid appearing oily or greasy
  • Burning sensation in the eyes
  • Sensation of something stuck in the eyes
  • High sensitivity to light
  • Flakiness of skin around the eyes
  • Production of more tears than usual
  • Crustiness on your eyelashes or corners of your eyes

For treatment of this eye infection, your doctor may advise you to clean eyelids with water and apply a warm, clean towel for alleviating swelling. You may also be prescribed corticosteroid eye drops and ointments for soothing inflammation. In order to keep irritation and dryness at bay, lubricating eye drops might be recommended. Checking the severity of infection, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics for oral intake.

5. Sty

Also known as hordeolum, a sty is an infection of the eyelid. It can be caused when oil glands are clogged with oils or dead skin, or may be caused due to presence of bacteria. This type of eye infection might happen on the eyelash line or within the eyelid’s edge. Some of the common symptoms of this eye infection are:

  • Tenderness or pain in eyes
  • Itchy or irritated eyes
  • Swelling
  • Development of crustiness around the eyelids
  • Red, painful bump
  • Sore eyelids
  • Increase in tears’ production

For managing styes, you can put clean, wet and warm compresses on the affected areas for nearly 15-20 minutes three-four times a day. For cleaning eyelids, make use of anti-bacterial and scent-free soap. Your doctor may also recommend some over-the-counter painkillers for reducing puffiness and pain. And, don’t use makeup or contact lenses until the infection subsides.

6. Uveitis

When your uvea gets inflamed and infected, it means you have contracted this eye infection. The uvea is responsible for sending blood to your retina. This type of eye infection is mainly caused due to disorders of the immune system, viral infections, or even eye injuries. Some of the causes to which this eye infection is attributed include herpes zoster, rheumatoid arthritis, syphilis, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, etc. This eye infection can cause serious eye problems, even vision loss, if not treated on time. Symptoms of uveitis include:

  • Red eyes
  • Painful eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Blurry vision
  • Feeling that particles have suddenly appeared in your visual field

Your doctor will diagnose this eye infection with an eye examination. Your healthy records may also be checked in order to see if there are any associated diseases as well. The treatment for this eye infection may consist of medicated eye drops, corticosteroid eye drops/oral steroids for alleviating inflammation. You might be administered injections directly in the eyes for treating symptoms of this eye infection. Moreover, if the infection has spread beyond your eyes, you might also be given oral antibiotics.

7. Cellulitis 

Typically caused by a bacteria or a fungi, this type of eye infection occurs when your eye tissues are infected due to an injury. Some of the common symptoms of cellulitis include:

  • Redness or swelling of the eyelid
  • Swelling of eye skin
  • Blurry vision
  • Trouble movement in the eyes
  • Fever and fatigue

This eye infection can be treated by applying a warm, clean and damp towel on the eyes for reducing inflammation. You might also be prescribed antibiotics depending upon the severity of the infection. Although rare, at times, surgery might be required to drain the fluid, which occurs due to infection.

Eye Infections: Prevention

This old-age adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ is quite true when it comes to eye infections. Although you can not prevent these completely, you can definitely take some precautions to lower the infection risk. Here are some of the steps for alleviating the risk:

  • Clean your contact lenses properly before wearing them and make sure you follow directions.
  • When you work or take part in sports, do wear designated protective gear.
  • Avoid allergens as much as possible
  • Don’t rub your eyes, especially when your hands are dirty, as it may cause irritation and infection
  • Practice good hand hygiene
  • Don’t share your personal items, like clothes, towel, eyeglasses, eye makeup products etc.
  • Use clean towels or tissues for your face and eyes
  • Get your eyes checked regularly
  • Disinfect your lenses daily and make sure to clean your eyeglasses too before wearing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, eye infections tend to vary as far as their causes, signs, and treatment options are concerned. Many are not a cause of concern, but some may require immediate medical attention coupled with appropriate treatment in order to avoid any further complications. The earlier an eye infection is treated, the less likely there is a risk of an ocular emergency. So, if you experience any pain or bothersome changes with your vision, it is best to seek professional help for right diagnosis and treatment. And, also don’t forget to practice good hygiene as well as other prevention methods as discussed above in order to keep eye infections at bay.

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