Our eyes remain in close proximity to microbes present in the air. Under specific conditions, these microbes lead to eye infections when they come in contact with our eyes. Most eye infections present with specific symptoms which include redness in the cornea, swelling on eyelids, the flow of discharge from the eyes, dry and itchy eyes, stinging on the eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and headache.
CAUSES
Most eye infections are caused when our body’s defense systems are not strong enough to fight the allergens, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites present in our surroundings or when our immunity is weakened as a result of some underlying disorders. We have discussed some common eye infections along with factors that lead to their occurrence.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis or Pink eye is the infection of the conjunctiva. It is caused by the reaction to allergens, viruses or bacteria present in the surroundings.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is the inflammation that takes place on the eyelids close to the lashline in response to allergens, parasites, fungi, bacteria or due to meibomian gland dysfunction.
Stye
An eye stye is a painful pus-filled abscess that is formed on the inner or outer corner of the eyelid. It is caused by staphylococcus bacteria.
Uveitis
Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, a pigmented layer on the eye that lies beneath the sclera and cornea. This condition may be brought on by an injury, autoimmune disorders, Crohn’s disease, or due to infection caused by herpes virus, tuberculosis, or Lyme disease.
Corneal Ulcer
The corneal ulcer is a painful open sore that gets formed on the front part of the cornea. It is caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses such as herpes simplex virus following an injury. Irritation caused by contact lenses also results in the formation of ulcers in the cornea.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is the inflammation of tissues surrounding the eye. It is caused by trauma, insect bite, or other conditions like sinusitis.
Ocular Herpes
Ocular herpes is a viral infection that takes place when herpes simplex virus invades the eye resulting in inflammation on the cornea.
Trachoma
Trachoma is a highly contagious bacterial infection characterized by itchiness in the eyes and mucous discharge. This infection is caused by a bacteria called chlamydia.
TREATMENTS
Eye infections are treated after assessing the symptoms and cause behind the infection. Bacterial infections such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and styles are generally treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
In case of viral eye infections, you have to let the virus run its course after which the condition resolves on its own. Anti-viral drops may be prescribed in serious viral infections such as ocular herpes. If there are severe itchiness and inflammation in the eyes, a doctor may prescribe steroidal eye drops to control the discomfort.
Eye infections caused by conditions such as sinusitis, tuberculosis, Crohn’s disease, and other conditions need a different treatment strategy. This involves seeking proper treatment to fix any underlying condition and taking measures to lessen the severity of symptoms of eye infection with the help of eye drops and warm or cool compresses.
To prevent your eye infection from worsening, it’s crucial to practice hygiene until the infection is not fully treated. If you notice any sudden changes in your vision along with the infection, get yourself evaluated by an ophthalmologist to prevent damage to the eyesight.
About the Author
Harvey Lee is a health and beauty blogger and works with various industry-leading health and beauty product brands e.g. EyeSoothe: UK’s leading Eye Mask brand for various eye issues including Blepharitis, MGD, Dry eye syndrome and more. Harvey strongly recommends seeking physician opinion before replacing medication with natural or other non-clinical remedies.
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Sanya
- February 11, 2018
