Eye infections are a common medical issue in people of all ages. If left untreated, they can be frustrating, painful, and potentially injurious to your eyes’ health. Providers at Baptist Health can help put an end to your ailment.

What Are Eye Infections?

An eye infection is any disease of the eyes caused by a harmful microorganism, such as a virus, bacterium, or fungus. Infections tend to occur in three areas of the eye:

• Eyelid
• Cornea (the eye’s clear outer surface)
• Conjunctiva (the moist layer on the inside of your eyelids and the outer surface of your eye, excluding the cornea)

Eye infections are a frequent cause of primary care visits. A wide variety have been identified with varying causes and symptoms.

How Common Are Eye Infections?

Eye infections are very common and account for many of the office or hospital visits each year. Eye infections are much more common in people who wear contact lenses.

Types of Eye Infections

Here are some leading types of eye infection:

• Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, occurs when blood vessels in the conjunctiva become infected with virus or bacteria. In its microbial form, pink eye is highly contagious (there is also a noncontagious allergic form).
• Sty: A sty is a small bump or pimple that grows on the outer edges of your eyelid. It is caused by a bacterial infection of the oil glands that exist in that part of the eye. 
• Keratitis: Keratitis is a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of the cornea. It can also result from an eye injury. Contact-lens wearers are especially susceptible to contracting keratitis. 
• Blepharitis: Blepharitis is a bacterial inflammation of the eyelids. As with sties, the ailment has its origin in the clogging of oil glands at the base of the eyelashes. 
• Uveitis: Uveitis is an infection of the uvea, the pigmented layer of the eye, including the iris and choroid. Causes include viral infections, eye injuries, or immune-system deficiencies. 
• Cellulitis: Cellulitis is an eyelid infection. It generally occurs when a scratch or minor eye injury becomes infected with some form of bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus or staph).
• Endophthalmitis: Endophthalmitis is a severe inflammation of the inside of the eye. It results from a bacterial or fungal infection, most often the Candida or yeast fungus.
• Dacryocystitis: Dacryocystitis is a blockage of the tear ducts. It can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired, typically through bacterial infection. 
• Ocular herpes: Ocular herpes is an infection of the eye by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). It is spread by contact with other persons carrying the virus (though not sexually like HSV-2, another herpes virus). 

Eye Infection Symptoms

Common Symptoms for Eye Infections

Symptoms of eye infection can vary but the following are among the most prevalent:

• Red or swollen eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Pain
• Eye matter or discharge
• Watery or teary eyes
• Itching
• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision

You can experience these symptoms singly or in combination.

Less Common Symptoms

Less common eye infection symptoms include:

• Eyelid swelling (sty)
• Mild to moderate red or watery eyes
• Small amount of discharge from the eyes
• Eye pain
• Dry eyes
• Mild swelling around or in the eye
• Itchiness
• Light sensitivity or blurred vision

Causes of an Eye Infection

There are several different causes of an eye infection. The most common causes are due to bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites. The organisms that cause an eye infection can enter your eye in several different ways. The most common reason for developing an eye infection is sleeping in your contact lenses. You can also get an eye infection after an eye injury. The different types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause an eye infection include:

Bacteria

• Bacillus
• Enterobacteriaceae
• Haemophilus influenza
• Moraxella spp
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa)
• Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae)

Viruses

• Herpes simplex type 1
• Varicella zoster virus
• Adenovirus

Fungi

Some fungal eye infections occur after eye surgery, such as cataract surgery or a corneal transplant. You can also develop an eye infection from an injury that happens when you come into contact with an outdoor fungus from a stick or plant. Additionally, you may develop an eye infection from a fungal infection in the bloodstream. Fungi include:

• Candida
• Fusarium (outdoor fungus)

How to Prevent Eye Infections

There are several steps you can take to avoid contracting a contagious eye infection:

• Don’t touch your eyes without first washing your hands.
• If a family member has an eye infection, provide him or her with clean towels and bedsheets. Make sure he or she doesn’t share these with anyone else.
• If you’re around someone with an eye infection, limit your physical contact with that person.
• Use anti-infective sprays and cleaners in shared spaces.
• If you have contact lenses, always wash your hands before handling them.
• Be aware that wearing contact lenses significantly increases the chance of an eye infection.
• Allergic reactions to makeup or facial cosmetics can also increase the possibility of additional infection.

Eye Infection Diagnosis and Treatment

Any serious medical issue involving your eyes should be seen by a physician. Diagnosis is largely based on visual evidence. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments and compresses. Viral infections often clear up on their own, but sometimes antiviral eye drops are beneficial. 

If you’re dealing with an eye ailment, let the experts at Baptist Health see you through. Schedule an appointment with a Baptist Health provider.

Why Choose Baptist Health for Your Health Care Provider

Baptist Health provides thorough and attentive care for eye infections, helping patients manage symptoms and protect their vision. Our medical team carefully evaluates each case to determine the most appropriate treatment based on individual needs. With a commitment to patient-focused care, we offer reliable solutions for a variety of eye conditions.

FAQ

Will an eye infection go away naturally?

Eye infections that are due to a virus or allergies may have to clear naturally, or clear on their own. There are some treatment options that can make your symptoms less bothersome. Bacterial or fungal infections will need to be treated and do not go away naturally.

How to fix an eye infection fast?

Recovery time for an eye infection is dependent on the underlying cause and how you treat it. Typically, antibacterial medications take 24-48 hours to work. Having a viral infection or allergy infection may take longer to resolve, but there are some treatment options that can make your symptoms more manageable while your body clears the virus or calms down from the allergies. At-home treatment options include:

• Use a damp, cool or warm compress over your eyes
• Lubricating eye drops
• OTC pain relievers
• Avoid allergens that trigger infections

When do I go to the doctor for an eye infection?

It is important to consult with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of an eye infection. There are some eye infections that can become dangerous and risk vision loss. Your healthcare provider will want to determine the underlying cause so appropriate treatment can begin.

How long do eye infections last?

The length of time an eye infection lasts depends on the underlying cause and whether treatment is administered. Some eye infections can resolve in 2-3 days with treatment and other eye infections may take longer as your body clears the virus or stops being irritated by the triggering allergen.