Eye Infections Treatment Specialist Q&A

Most of us have had the experience of a little itchy feeling in our eyes; we rub the itchy eye with our finger, our eye starts to tear and turns red, and the itchy feeling continues. This could be the start of an eye infection. Eye infections are very common, can affect both eyes, and can occur at any age. Some are highly contagious and care should be taken to not spread the infection to others, or your other eye. Infections of the cornea, which is the clear membrane over the center of the eye, are not as common, but can seriously affect your vision. The three primary areas of the eyes that are susceptible to infection are the eyelids, cornea, and conjunctiva (moist area that covers the inside of the eyelid and outer part of the eye). Based on their cause, the most common eye infections fall into one of three specific categories: viral, bacterial, and fungal, and all require different treatments.

Below are the most commonly treated eye infections:

– Conjunctivitis – commonly called “pink eye” is an infection of the conjunctiva and can be viral, bacterial, or an allergic reaction.

– Karatitis – Inflammation of the cornea. Can be viral, bacterial, or form parasites in water. Common with those who wear contact lenses.

– Stye – A painful red bump under the eyelid or at the base of the eyelashes. A bacterial infection that is not contagious and harmless.

– Uveitis – the middle layer of the eye inflammation (uvea).

– Blepharitis – Inflammation of the eyelids from bacteria or clogged oil glands.

– Fungal eye infection – Rare but serious due to fungal infection. Caused by use of the dirty lens, or following an eye injury.

– Endophthalmitis – Severe inflammation inside the eye from bacterial or fungal infection.

– Cellulitis – Infection of eye tissue often cause by a scratched eye that introduces infectious bacteria.

– Ocular herpes – When the eye becomes infected by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), sometimes called eye herpes.

Symptoms of an eye infection may be present in both eyes, and some of the most common symptoms include:

– Eye pain
– Itching
– Prickly sensation
– Sensitivity to light
– Watery eyes
– Redness
– Discomfort
– Fluid discharge
– Flaking of the eyelids
– Swelling
– Dryness

There are common indicators to determine if an eye infection is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. A bacterial infection is usually identified by a green or yellowish discharge, while a viral infection will have a clear or white discharge. Itchy eyes are more commonly associated with allergic conjunctivitis, which is highly contagious and quite unpleasant. If you prescribed antibiotics for conjunctivitis and it does not resolve within 3 to 4 days your doctor may suspect the infection is viral. Viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the most common of eye infections and can often be accompanied by upper respiratory symptoms.

Having an eye infection is uncomfortable, irritating, and at times painful, and if left untreated can become a serious problem. The majority of common bacterial eye infections are easily and effectively treated with a prescription for antibiotic eye drops, ointments, and compresses. Most viral eye infections resolve on their own and require more discomfort relief than anything to relieve the itching and burning sensations. For example, applying a warm, wet, and clean towel to the eyes for 20 minutes from time to time will help relieve inflammation. It is always a wise choice to contact a medical professional before attempting any “home remedies” to treat your possible eye infection simply because some can be serious.

If you suspect you or a family member may have an eye infection, our highly trained and skilled doctors at Fast Aid Urgent Care are here for you. Text, call, or visit our website for more information, or for directions to one of our facilities nearest you.

For more information, call us today or reserve your virtual line. We serve patients from Bulverde Rd San Antonio TX, Windcrest TX, Selma TX, Bastrop TX, Paige TX, Smithville TX, Alamo Ranch San Antonio TX, Leon Valley TX, Helotes TX, La Grange TX, Rabbs Prairie TX, Halsted TX, Leon Springs TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Cross Mountain TX, New Braunfels TX, Hunter TX, Zorn TX, Potranco Road San Antonio TX, Rio Medina TX, Rolling Oaks Estates TX, Dripping Springs, TX, Saddletree Ranch TX, and Belterra TX.