What is an Eye Infection?
An eye infection is usually a condition caused by bacteria or a virus. While there are many different types of eye infections with different causes and treatments, the most common is bacterial conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. Another well known infection is blepharitis – chronic inflammation of the eyelid due to infection. One of the most well-known forms of blepharitis is staphylococcal. Styes are another common form of eye infection. A stye is an infection in the tiny oil glands, along the edge of the eyelid, that surround the base of an eyelash.
The eye is constantly exposed to a variety of pathogens, but infections occur when the normal defenses of the eye are compromised. The source of the infection may be local (e.g., from the eyelids) or remote (e.g., from the sinuses) and can be the result of trauma, eye surgery, contact lens wear, immune deficiencies, or other diseases resulting in bacteria growth or viruses.
What Are the Symptoms of Various Eye Infections?
Bacterial conjunctivitis, or pink eye, results in red, itchy eyes that burn and discharge liquid. There may be more tearing than usual and your eyes may appear swollen.
Blepharitis is one of the most common disorders of the eye and is often the underlying reason for eye discomfort, redness and tearing. Other eye symptoms of blepharitis include: burning, itching, light sensitivity, and an irritating, sandy, gritty sensation that is worse upon awakening. In staphylococcal blepharitis, there is scaling and crusting along the eye lashes.
Styes usually begin as a red, tender bump, and usually come to a head in about three days. The stye then breaks open and drains and heals in about a week.
Who Does an Eye Infection Affect?
Eye infections can occur in any age group of patients, and since relatively benign infections can develop into serious disorders, most eye care practitioners treat infections aggressively. People who have undergone eye surgery or experienced trauma to the eye are at higher risk of incurring infection. And because some eye infections are highly contagious, such as pink eye, those who come in contact with someone who has the infection are at a much higher risk of becoming infected.
How to Avoid Eye Infections?
Eye infections may be spread through contact with the eye drainage, which contains the virus or bacteria that caused the infection. Touching an infected eye leaves drainage on your hand. If you touch your other eye or an object when you have drainage on your hand, the virus or bacteria can be spread. Here are some ways to prevent the spread of eye infections:
- Wash your hands before and after touching your eyes or face and before and after using medicine in your eyes.
- Do not share eye makeup.
- Do not use eye makeup until the infection is fully cured, because you could reinfect yourself with the eye makeup products. If your eye infection was caused by bacteria or a virus, throw away your old makeup and buy new products.
- Do not share contact lens equipment, containers, or solutions.
- Do not wear contact lenses until the infection is cured. Thoroughly clean your contacts before wearing them again and replace your contact lens case.
- Do not share eye medicine.
- Do not share towels, linens, pillows, or handkerchiefs. Use clean linens, towels, and washcloths daily.
- Wash your hands and wear gloves if you are looking into someone else's eye for a foreign object or helping someone else apply an eye medicine.
- Wear eye protection when in the wind, heat, or cold to prevent eye irritation.
- Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals.
- Avoid exposing your eyes to contaminated water.
