Eye infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi and can occur in different parts of one eye or both eyes. Redness, itching, swelling, pain, discharge or changed vision may be symptoms of infection and should be checked by an ophthalmologist.
Types of eye infections and symptoms
Keratitis is an inflammation and swelling of the cornea. It takes several forms:
Bacterial Keratitis
Symptoms:
- Reduced vision
- Pain in the eye (often sudden)
- Increased light sensitivity
- Excessive tearing or discharge from your eye.
What to do:
The infection develops very quickly and can be blinding. It is important to see an ophthalmologist immediately if you think you may have bacterial keratitis.
Find out more about bacterial keratitis.
Fungal Keratitis (primarily associated with contact lens use and most common in warm climates)
Symptoms:
- Redness and pain in the eye
- No improvement when contact lenses are removed
- Increased light sensitivity
- Excessive tearing or discharge from your eye
What to do:
Be sure to see an ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Find out more about fungal keratitis
Herpes Keratitis
Symptoms:
- Redness and pain in the eye
- Blurred vision
- Tearing or discharge from your eye
- Increased light sensitivity
What to do:
See an ophthalmologist before beginning any treatment. Some medications or eyedrops may make the infection worse.
Find out more about herpes keratitis
Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Symptoms:
- Redness and pain in the eye
- Blurred vision
- Excessive tearing
- Increased light sensitivity
- Sensation of something in the eye
What to do:
See an ophthalmologist immediately. Acanthamoeba keratitis will eventually cause severe pain and possible vision loss or blindness if untreated.
Find out more about acanthamoeba keratitis
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear membrane that covers the eyeball and part of the eyelid. It can be caused by a virus or bacteria and can affect one or both eyes.
Symptoms:
- Inflammation of the eye
- Soreness of the eye
- Increased tearing
- Excess mucous (pus)
- Itchiness of the eye
- Hazy or blurred vision due to mucous or pus
- Crusting of the eyelashes in the morning
- Sensation of something in the eye
What to do:
See a doctor. Conjunctivitis is quite contagious. Wash your hands and stay home from school or work until the eye is better.
Find out more about conjunctivitis
Eyelid Infection The two most common kinds of eyelid infections are styes and chalazia. Both appear as small, sore lumps.
Symptoms:
- Lump on the eyelid
- Irritation of the eyelid
What to do:
Styes and chalazia usually go away without treatment. If your lump does not go away, or if a chalazion recurs in the same place, see your ophthalmologist for a diagnosis and to rule out more serious problems.
Find out more about eyelid infection
Contact Lenses and Eye Infections
Infections
