Types
Conjunctivitis
Another name for conjunctivitis is pink eye. It is an eye infection that affects the inside of the eyelid and the outer layer of the eye. Conjunctivitis is highly infectious and can easily spread from person to person.
Symptoms
If you have conjunctivitis, your eyes may be:
Pink or redItchy or burn Watery SwollenCrusty IrritatedBlurry Leaking yellow, green, or white discharge (fluid) Sensitive to bright lights
Causes
Conjunctivitis may be caused by:
BacteriaVirusesAllergies Eye-irritating substances
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will do an eye exam and ask about the symptoms you have. You may also need a laboratory test such as an eye culture to determine if bacteria or viruses are responsible for the infection. Your practitioner can swab your eye to gather a sample for an eye culture test and send it to the lab.
Treatment
Usually, conjunctivitis goes away on its own within seven to 10 days. However, you may need antibiotic ointment or eye drops for a bacterial infection.
Your treatment options include:
Cold compresses Eye dropsOintment Artificial tearsAntibioticsAntivirals
Keratitis
Keratitis is an infection that causes inflammation in the cornea of the eye. Your cornea is a dome that sits on top of the colored part of your eye and refracts light. If you do not get treatment, there is a risk of permanent scarring and vision loss.
Symptoms
If you have keratitis, your eyes may be:
RedPainfulBlurry Irritated or feel like something is inside themSensitive to lightWatery or leaking discharge
Causes
Keratitis may be caused by:
BacteriaVirusesFungiParasites or ameba
If you wear contact lenses, you may be at a higher risk of having keratitis, especially if you sleep, shower, swim, or do not properly clean your lenses or wear them past their change date. Taking proper care of your lenses and supplies is important, so you should follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will do an eye exam and ask about your symptoms. You may need additional lab tests to determine the cause of keratitis.
Treatment
Your treatment options include:
Eye dropsOintmentsAntibioticsAntivirals Antifungals
Endophthalmitis
Endophthalmitis is an infection that causes inflammation or swelling inside the eyeball’s tissues and fluids. This is a serious condition that can be an emergency because of the risk of permanent vision loss.
Symptoms
If you have endophthalmitis, your eyes may be:
RedPainful or leaking discharge Swollen or puffy (especially the eyelids) Blurry or have trouble seeing Sensitive to light
Causes
Endophthalmitis may be caused by:
BacteriaFungi Complications of eye surgery or injections Injury or trauma to the eye
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will do an eye exam and check your symptoms. You will have your vision checked and may need an ultrasound. Your practitioner may also do an aqueous or vitreous tap, which uses a small needle to take fluid from the eye for testing.
Treatment
Your treatment options include:
Antibiotic injections in the eyeAntifungal injections in the eye Steroids Surgery
Stye
A stye is a bump on the eyelid caused by an infection. It usually appears at the base of your eyelashes or under your eyelids.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a stye include:
Swollen bump or lump on the eyelidRedness Pain Sensitivity to lightIrritation or feeling like something is inside the eyeWatery eyeTenderness in the eyelid
Causes
When an oil gland (meibomian gland) in the eyelid is blocked, a stye can form. An infection in the hair follicle of your eye can also cause a stye. Bacteria are another common cause of styes.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will do an eye exam and check your symptoms.
Treatment
Usually, a stye goes away on its own within seven days. Talk to your healthcare provider if your stye is getting worse or not going away.
Your treatment options include:
Applying a warm compress to the eyeAntibiotic ointmentDraining the stye in a healthcare provider’s office
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a condition that causes irritation in the eyelids and causes flakes to form on the eyelashes. Usually, it is not contagious and does not harm the eyes.
Symptoms
If you have blepharitis, your eyes and eyelids may be:
RedBurn or sting Crusty IrritatedItchy Watery Sensitive to light Swollen Dry
Causes
If the oil glands in the eyelids are clogged, this can cause blepharitis. Bacteria on the eyelids and near the base of the eyelashes can also cause this condition.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will do an eye exam and check your symptoms.
Treatment
Your treatment options include:
Applying a warm compress to the eyeCleaning the eye and eyelids AntibioticsSteroid eye drops
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a type of infection that can affect the eye, eyelid, and skin around the eyes. There are two types of cellulitis within the eye: Pre-septal cellulitis and more dangerous orbital cellulitis. Cellulitis can spread, so it is important to seek prompt medical care.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cellulitis include:
Swollen eye or eyelidProblems moving the eyeEye bulgingVision changes or blurriness RednessFatigueFever
Causes
Cellulitis may be caused by:
BacteriaFungiInsect bitesWounds on the faceSinus infectionsSurgery on the neck or head
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will do an eye exam and check your symptoms. You will also have to discuss your recent medical history and have laboratory tests, such as a blood test.
Treatment
Your treatment options include:
AntibioticsDraining fluid from the infection in the healthcare provider’s office Surgery
Uveitis
Uveitis is a condition that affects the uvea, the middle layer of your eye. It is an inflammatory disease that can damage the eye’s tissues.
Symptoms
The symptoms of uveitis include:
Red eyesBlurry visionPainFloaters (seeing things float in your vision) Sensitivity to light Vision loss
Causes
Autoimmune conditions that can cause uveitis include:
Ankylosing spondylitis Multiple sclerosis Behcet disease Psoriasis Rheumatoid arthritis Reactive arthritis Sarcoidosis Ulcerative colitis Vogt Koyanagi Harada’s disease
Infectious diseases that can cause uveitis include:
AIDS Herpes zoster infection Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis Syphilis Histoplasmosis Tuberculosis Kawasaki disease Toxoplasmosis
Toxins and injuries may also cause uveitis.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will do an eye exam and check your symptoms. Then, you may need blood tests, laboratory tests, and central nervous system tests. You may also need a brain scan or MRI.
Treatment
Your treatment options include:
Eye drops Injections Pills Steroids AntibioticsAnti-inflammatory drugs Immune-suppressant drugsWearing dark glassesSurgery
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You may need to see a healthcare provider, if you have:
A lot of pain in your eyes Vision changes Very red eyes that do not get better A lot of discharge from your eyes Blurry vision or sensitivity to light Symptoms that do not go away after a few days A weak immune system
Prevention
There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of having an eye infection. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about staying healthy.
Bleeding from your eyes or eyelidVision loss or sudden blindness Pupils become different sizes and no longer match each other Problems opening, closing, or moving the eyes Eyes bulge out Injuries or trauma to the eyes
To prevent an eye infection, you can:
Wash your hands often Avoid touching your eyes Avoid sharing items such as makeup, pillowcases, or towels with othersAvoid being near someone with an eye infection Wash all items that someone with an eye infection usesClean your glasses and contact lenses regularly Use protective eyewear and safety goggles when necessary Do not let an eye drop bottle touch your eyes when using it to avoid contamination
