Eye infections are getting increasingly common these days, what with the amount of pollution and dust in the air, resulting in increased exposure to bacteria and viruses. Some of the main types of eye infections such as conjunctivitis and corneal ulcer need immediate medical attention so that they can be treated properly.When you have been affected by eye infections you are likely to experience blurred vision, pain, and redness of the eye.
The three main types of eye infections include the following:
1. Infectious conjunctivitis
This is where conjunctival blood vessels become dilated and this leads to inflammation. Both viral conjunctivitis and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious and result in the individual having a red eye. The patient in question must be examined for any cold sore and rash if this infection has been caused by herpes simplex. Viral conjunctivitis is the key cause of infectious conjunctivitis and is more prevalent in grown-ups. For comfort, one can use a cold compress, topical antihistamines, and artificial tears. In case the condition is very severe and the patient continues to experience symptoms even after the problem has resolved, it is best to visit the doctor again. Bacterial causes for conjunctivitis are less frequent but more common in children. Here, eye-drops are used to resolve the problem and a broad-spectrum antibiotic to be used topically is prescribed.
2. Keratitis
This occurs when the cornea, or the layer covering the iris and pupil, is infected. This condition can be due to an infection, viral, fungal or bacterial, or even due to any eye injury. Keratitis leads to swelling of the cornea but is not always infectious. The patient may experience pain and discomfort, swelling of eye and redness, abnormal production of tears, loss of vision, light sensitivity, etc. This happens usually when people wear contact lenses, or if their immune system happens to be weak because of some other illness, or they stay in a hot and humid region, etc. One can be prescribed antibacterial and antifungal eye drops for treatment. For viral keratitis, there is no way to completely get rid of the virus but eye drops and antiviral medicines can stop infections for a while. However, the symptoms may make a comeback.
3. Endophthalmitis
This refers to inflammation inside your eye caused by microbial, fungal, or bacterial infections. This is an ocular emergency and one must go to an ophthalmologist at once so that vision is not lost permanently. This condition is very rare and can lead to major trauma. Symptoms to watch out for include blurry vision, mild to severe eye pain, and eye pus or discharge. Endophthalmitis is brought on by systemic infection and can be linked to intravenous drug use.
Eye infection symptoms are likely to disappear after some time, but if they persist or the symptoms are very severe, one should not hesitate to visit a doctor. The earlier the infection gets treated, the fewer the chances of complications.