When to See Your Doctor for an Eye Infection

“Just like the rest of your body, your eyes are at risk for developing an infection,” said Yuliya Miras, MD, Catholic Health Primary Care Physician. “Bacteria, viruses or fungi all cause eye infections, which are common and can happen to anyone.”

What are common eye issues?

An eye infection is a disease caused by a bacteria, virus or fungus attacking the eye. It can affect all parts of the eye, including the eyelid, cornea (the thin, clear covering over the pupil) and conjunctiva (the thin, clear covering over the white part of the eye).

Common eye conditions include:

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Dry eye
• Eye redness/allergies
• Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
• Ocular herpes (a herpes infection in the eye)
• Stye

What are the symptoms of eye infections?

“Eye infections are often diagnosed based on their symptoms,” said Dr. Miras.

Common infections and their symptoms include:

• Conjunctivitis: redness, itchiness, discharge
• Keratitis: redness, pain, discharge, blurred vision
• Ocular herpes: blisters around the eye, redness, pain, discharge, blurred vision
• Stye: lump on the eyelid, redness, swelling

Conditions like dry eye and eye redness have many possible causes. Dust, pollen, allergens or reduced tear production cause dryness or redness. Your eyes may burn or feel scratchy or itchy. Other symptoms of eye conditions include:

• Blurred vision
• Eye discharge
• Pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Unusual redness
• Watery eyes

How are eye infections treated?

“Eye infections are serious concerns that require a doctor’s diagnosis,” said Dr. Miras. “Quickly addressing an eye infection can save your sight and prevent long-term complications, including recurring infections or vision loss.”

If you are showing symptoms of a possible eye infection, visit your primary care physician (PCP) or a walk-in urgent care center to have your eyes examined.

Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe medicine or advise you to complete treatments at home.

At-home treatments include:

• Antibiotic eye drops
• Ointments or creams
• Warm compresses

Eye infections caused by a virus will usually clear up on their own. For a severe infection, your doctor may prescribe antiviral eye drops. You may also have an underlying condition causing your eye infection. Prescription topical or oral antibiotics treat the condition and the infected eye(s).

What are the differences between eye infections and allergies?

Eye conditions caused by infections and allergies sometimes feel the same. Both conditions cause itching and redness. However, the main difference between eye infections and allergies is what causes them.

Indoor or outdoor irritants, such as pet dander, mold spores, chlorine and chemicals, can cause allergies. While allergies are not damaging to your sight, they are still bothersome. Find relief by avoiding the triggers that cause your eye allergy. You may also use artificial tears or over-the-counter allergy medications to reduce symptoms.

Make an appointment with your PCP if your allergies are causing discomfort.

How do I prevent eye infections?

“The best way to prevent infection is to wash your hands frequently,” said Dr. Miras. “Germs and viruses are easily shared when you do not practice good handwashing.”

Prevent eye infections by following these tips.

• Avoid people who may have an eye infection
• Avoid sharing makeup brushes
• Avoid touching your eyes
• Do not sleep in contact lenses
• Wash your bedsheets frequently

When should I seek emergency care?

Examples of eye care concerns that require immediate and urgent medical care include:

• Any kind of injury to the eye area
• Chemicals or other irritants getting in your eye
• Foreign object in your eye
• Scratch or cut to your eye
• Sudden vision loss

Endophthalmitis is a serious eye infection that occurs inside the eye. It is a condition that occurs after eye surgery, including cataract surgery. Contact your physician if you recently had cataract surgery and experience severe eye pain, a swollen eye or loss of vision.

How can I keep my eyes healthy?

 “Talk to your PCP about when you should see an ophthalmologist,” said Dr. Miras. “Keeping up with your regular eye exams helps ensure your eyes stay healthy.”

Learn more about eye health.