ABOUT COMMON EYE INFECTIONS
Eye infections may be brought on by bacteria, a virus, or a fungus and are commonly very communicable. Those with eye infections tend to experience pain, redness, a gritty sensation, and/or itchiness in their eyes. If left untreated, eye infections may also result in short-term vision loss, and some eye infections are much more critical, requiring immediate treatment by an experienced ophthalmologist. In the event that you or a member of your immediate family have developed an eye infection, set up an appointment at The Eye Center of Southern Indiana.
WHAT TYPE OF EYE INFECTION DO I HAVE?
These are several of the most predominant forms of infections of the eye. If you are concerned that you or your child may be experiencing an eye infection, we urge you to plan an appointment with The Eye Center of Southern Indiana so the condition can be evaluated and treated as early as possible.
- Blepharitis Its most common symptom is oozing discharge that builds up a crust around the eyelids. Those with blepharitis sometimes also suffer from watering, irritated, and stinging eyes.
- Conjunctivitis Also called pink eye, conjunctivitis is possibly the most prevalent eye infection. Pink eye is virtually always the result of bacteria or a virus and is highly communicable. The major indicators of pink eye are inflamed, gritty eyes with whitish discharge.
- Eye abscess Sometimes known as corneal ulcers, eye abscesses are unhealed wounds on the cornea. They might develop due to trauma or when bacteria or a foreign object (such as contact lenses) irritates the cornea. It is vital that you have these treated as soon as possible to avoid corneal scarring, which can potentially result in vision loss.
- Styes and chalazia A stye happens if bacteria makes its way into any one of your eyelash follicles. Then, a red bump generally forms externally or under the eyelid near the lash line. A chalazion is a congested or swollen eyelid oil duct. They almost always increase in size fairly slowly but can eventually grow to the size of a pea. Chalazia do not cause pain, but if they are left untreated and become big enough, they can impact vision.
- Uveitis Uveitis is inflammation in the uvea (the inner layer of the eye wall). Uveitis has the potential to damage eye tissue and results in visual impairment. It is usually easy to recognize due to intense eye redness, sensitivity to light, and orbital pain. While it is very important to treat the symptoms, it is also important to establish and treat its primary cause. Often, this condition can be attributed to autoimmune disorders, making an accurate diagnosis imperative.
RELIEF FOR EYE INFECTIONS
While eye infections are usually minor, they have the potential to be quite dangerous, and it may be impossible to determine which type you have on your own. If you develop an eye infection, or if you sense a foreign body stuck in your eye, we urge you to see a professional right away, particularly if it is creating discomfort or redness. At The Eye Center of Southern Indiana, we are thoroughly trained and widely skilled in diagnosing and treating eye infections and providing considerable relief. Serving Bloomington, IN and the surrounding region, our team is among the region's foremost experts at supporting patients with all their eye care needs.