Eye Infection Specialist

Eye infections develop when pathogens like bacteria, viruses or fungi invade the eye, usually as a result of touching your eyes or eyelids after your hands have become contaminated with the germs. Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” is one of the most common eye infections that occurs when eyes are touched or rubbed by hands that are contaminated by one of several common viruses, including the virus that causes the common cold. Wearing dirty contact lenses is also a common cause of infection. Some conditions like chronic dry eyes or corneal abrasions (scratches on the clear covering over your iris and pupil) increase the risk of developing eye infections.

Eye infections can cause different symptoms depending on the type of infection and which part of your eye is affected. Some common symptoms include:

• eyes that appear pink or red

• irritation, itching, burning, stinging or scratchy sensations on one or both eyes

• pain in or around the eye, including the temples, brows and behind the eye

• excessive watering or tearing

• increased sensitivity to light

• pain when moving the eye

• red or sore eye lids or swollen bumps on the lids

• thick discharge from the eye

• blurry vision or other vision problems

• sometimes, headache or fever

Eye infections can usually be successfully treated with oral antibiotics or other oral medications or with medicated eye drops (or both). If you wear contacts, you’ll need to switch to glasses until the infection clears up. Eye infections can be very serious, and if left untreated, they can cause permanent vision loss. If you have any symptoms of an eye infection, you should schedule an office visit right away to prevent serious complications from occurring.