Eye Infection Specialist
Omega Optical’s eye specialists have significant experience in the diagnosis and treatment of eye infection in patients of all ages from throughout the Philadelphia, PA, area, using state-of-the-art approaches to eradicate infections so patients enjoy healthier eyes.
Eye Infection FAQs
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.