Overview of Eye Infections
Eye infections are contaminations of the eye caused by microbiological agents such as bacteria, virus or fungi. Eye infections may be unilateral or bilateral (infections that is affecting one or both the eyes), and the infections may be confined to a particular part of the eyes and might spread to different parts of the eyes (eyelids, cornea, optic nerves etc.). Eye infections can be classified according to the infecting agents; however, the common infections include the following:
- Conjunctivitis—This kind of infection is highly contagious and is popularly known as ‘pink eye’.
- Stye—This is a bacterial infection of the eyelid margin.
- Trachoma—Infectious trachoma is the leading cause for blindness and is also highly contagious.
The common symptoms of eye infections include:
- Itching
- Swelling
- Redness
- Pain
- Watery discharge
- Flaking of the eye lids
- Problems with vision
Treatment of the infectious eye is dependent on the cause or source of infections and usually includes compresses, eye drops, antibiotics or creams.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is defined as the infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and part of the eyeball). Conjunctivitis is also called as ‘pink eye’ because the inflammation causes small blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become more prominent, and thus cast pink or red color to the whites. Conjunctivitis affects people at all ages.1 Conjunctivitis is caused due to various kinds of bacteria, virus or fungi. Certain environmental factors are also responsible in causing conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can be classified as infectious or noninfectious. Infectious conjunctivitis is further classified based on the type of the infecting organism (bacteria, virus or fungi).
Signs and Symptoms of Eye Infections
The symptoms are usually mild but if untreated it may lead to serious complications. Some of the signs and symptoms are enumerated below.2
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discharge from the eyes, which may be watery (yellow or green in color) and form crusts around the eyelashes. Itchy eyes with pus-like discharge, if the infection is due to a virus. A pus-like discharge which turns crusty during the night is due bacterial infection
- Intolerance to light
- Excess tears from the eyes
- Burning sensation and discomfort of the eyes
- Vision problems.
Causes of Eye Infections
Bacteria, fungi or viruses can cause conjunctivitis. At times, allergic agents, irritants (chemicals or foreign bodies in the eye), overexposure to sunlight and toxic agents are also implicated as the causative agents. The causative agent and Read more....
Diagnosis of Eye Infections
Diagnosis of conjunctivitis is based on past medical and personal history, presenting signs and symptoms and other diagnostic tests. The diagnostic tests for conjunctivitis include eye examination and microbiological analysis. Microbiological analysis is done by culturing sample of eye secretions from the conjunctiva and the results aid in identifying the nature of the infective agents. Microbial culture is very useful for the physician to start with the treatment.3
Treatment of Eye Infections
The course of the treatment is dependent on the cause.
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointment is recommended for bacterial infections and entire course of the medications should be completed to prevent the recurrence of infection.
- Ocular decongestants, antiinflammatory and antiallergic medicines may be prescribed for conjunctivitis caused due to an allergy or inflammation.4
- Topical corticosteroids may be useful if there is a considerable level of inflammation.5
- Apart from these, artificial tears may help in reducing the discomfort of the eye due to photophobia and cold compresses can be used to reduce the swelling and discomfort of the eyelids.
Prevention of Eye Infections
Conjunctivitis can be highly contagious, if good hygiene is not maintained. Hygienic practices are surely helpful in preventing the spread of conjunctivitis. Some of the following points are very useful in prevention of conjunctivitis.6
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: January 03,2009
- Using a clean cloth or tissue to remove the watery discharge from the eyes and ensure proper disposal of it.
- Frequent washing of hands with antiseptic soap and drying thoroughly to avoid, spread of the infection, especially before and after touching the face or eye of the infected person.
- Environmental substances, which are known to cause to conjunctivitis should be avoided.
- Contact lens equipment, solutions or containers should not be shared.
- Protective sunglass is advocated when exposed to unusual light conditions.
- Avoid close contact with people affected with conjunctivitis.
- Usage of the prescribed medicines should be known and followed.
- Clean towel, handkerchiefs and pillows should be used. Change the pillow-cases frequently.
- Stop using cosmetics, especially mascara.
- Clothes should be washed daily.
- Avoid sharing personal things with others.