What causes eye infections?
Eye infections occur when microorganisms get into your eye and the surrounding tissues. Bacteria and viruses cause most eye infections.
You can also develop a fungal eye infection from fungi that thrive in soil, water, and plants. Fungal infections are rare, but when they occur, they’re difficult to treat and can cause eye damage.
Wearing contact lenses can increase your risk of an eye infection. You can limit your risk by keeping your lenses clean and by not reusing your contact lens solution.
Which eye infections are contagious?
You’re probably familiar with the most contagious eye infection: pink eye, or conjunctivitis. A thin, clear membrane called the conjunctiva covers the outer surface of your eye and the inner surface of your eyelids.
Infected conjunctiva becomes red and inflamed. It also causes symptoms like itching, burning, and blurry vision. There are two primary types of contagious conjunctivitis:
Viral conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis often develops when you have an upper respiratory infection like a cold or the flu. This type of conjunctivitis is spread through sneezing, coughing, and hand-to-eye contact after touching an infected object.
In addition to the common symptoms of conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis produces a watery discharge and may cause a fever or sore throat, depending on the underlying virus.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Commonly caused by staph or strep bacteria, this type of conjunctivitis is spread through contact with an infected person or by touching a surface contaminated with the bacteria. It typically produces a thick discharge.
Bacterial conjunctivitis can become chronic if the infection lasts four weeks or longer. There are several forms of bacterial conjunctivitis arising from various bacteria.
Are there other common eye infections?
Any part of your eye can develop a bacterial or viral infection. Dr. Wilson often treats:
- Blepharitis: bacterial infection causing outer eyelid inflammation
- Uveitis: inflammation of the middle layer of your eye (uvea)
- Keratitis: inflamed cornea
What symptoms indicate an infection?
Symptoms vary depending on the cause of your infection and the part of your eye that’s affected. The most common symptoms are:
- Red, itchy eyes
- Eye pain
- Eye discharge or watery eyes
- Swelling in or around your eyes
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
When should you get help for an eye infection?
It’s important to see Dr. Wilson when you develop any symptom of an eye infection. Prompt treatment can prevent it from spreading into tear glands or deeper into your eye.
If you wear contact lenses, switch back to eyeglasses until you can visit the office. Protect your eyes and find relief from symptoms by calling or booking an appointment online at the first sign of an eye infection.
