What are common eye infections?
One of the most common eye infections is conjunctivitis — commonly referred to as pink eye. Either bacteria or a virus can cause conjunctivitis, and may be highly contagious. Other eye infections include:
- Ocular herpes
- Fungal keratitis
- Parasitic (Acanthamoeba) keratitis
- Endophthalmitis
The most common way for eye infections to spread is through direct contact. For example, if someone with an eye infection has touched their eye and then a door handle, you could then introduce the bacteria or virus into your eyes after touching the door handle.
Your risk of getting an eye infection increases if you do not wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes. For example, if you wear contact lenses, your chances of getting an eye infection increase.
What are the signs of an eye infection?
Common eye infection symptoms include:
- The whites of your eyes looking red or pink
- Pain
- Eye discharge
- Itchy eyes
- Watery or dry eyes
- Swelling in or around your eyes
- Blurry vision
If you think you have an eye infection, you should make an appointment with the team at Simply Eyes. They can examine your eyes to identify your infection to provide effective treatment. You should not self-diagnose an eye infection; an eye infection that is left untreated or ineffectively treated can result in permanent vision loss.
How are eye infections treated?
The team at Simply Eyes may prescribe eye drops or oral medications to help your body fight off the infection. They may also prescribe drops to relieve symptoms such as itching, burning, or other painful sensations in or around your eyes.
If you wear contact lenses, you should switch to glasses while you are being treated for an eye infection. Also, do not wear your old contacts after you finish your medication. Use a new pair when your infection is gone.
How can I prevent eye infections?
If you work with the public or share space with others, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and hot water. If a member of your family gets an eye infection, encourage them to wash their hands often and keep their bedding and towels clean and away from other family members.
Call Simply Eyes or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment for eye infections.
