Eye Infection Specialist

What causes an eye infection?

Eye infections are common problems with several different potential causes and include viral, fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections. An eye infection may also develop because of allergies, colds, and health-related conditions, especially those associated with an impaired immune system such as AIDS.

Eye infections are categorized based on the part of the eye affected. These areas include:

• Conjunctivitis: the membrane found in the inner eyelid and inner corner of the eye surface, or conjunctiva
• Blepharitis: the eyelid
• Keratitis: the cornea
• Vitritis: liquid inside the eye
• Chorioretinitis: the retina and its blood vessels
• Neuroretinitis: the optic nerve

The most prevalent type of eye infection is conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye. This condition is most common in children and can be highly contagious. Antelope Valley Optometric Center provides pediatric eye care services to treat infections such as conjunctivitis.

What are the symptoms of an eye infection?

The most common symptoms of an eye infection include:

• Pain
• Redness
• Itching
• Discharge
• Crusting over the eyelid
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Swollen eyelids
• Involuntary blinking
• Tears or watery eyes

With an eye infection, there may also be redness or thin red lines in the whites of the eye.

How is an eye infection diagnosed and treated?

The optometrists at Antelope Valley Optometric Center can usually diagnose an eye infection during a comprehensive eye exam by looking at the surface of the eye and retina, as well as reviewing the patient’s symptoms and medical history. In some cases, they might culture discharge from the affected eye or recommend additional tests to look for underlying conditions, like herpes simplex.

Based on the diagnosis, the optometrist may then recommend a variety of potential treatments. For viral eye infections, they usually monitor the infection to see if it improves on its own without treatment. Bacterial and fungal infections often require antibiotic medications or prescription eye drops.

Because eye infections can be contagious, it’s essential that people with them wash their hands often and avoid touching their eyes to reduce their risk of disease. Do not share towels or bedding with a family member who has an eye infection, and change their bedding frequently. People who wear contact lenses should always wash their hands before handling their contacts or touching their eyes.

For more information on treating eye infections, call Antelope Valley Optometric Center or schedule an appointment online today.