Eye Infections

Pink eye is the most common type of eye infection. It causes the white part of the eye to become pink or red, and it can be triggered by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. Pink eye is highly contagious and spreads easily through contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.

Corneal infections affect the clear, dome-shaped surface of the eye, known as the cornea. These infections can cause significant discomfort, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. People who wear contact lenses or have experienced eye injuries are particularly susceptible to keratitis.

Bacterial infections of the eyelids can lead to conditions such as styes or swollen, crusty eyelashes. While these infections are typically not serious, they can spread to other parts of the eye if left untreated.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that causes redness, swelling, itching, and the formation of flaky skin around the lashes. Although primarily caused by irritation, blepharitis can lead to secondary bacterial infections if not addressed.

Although rare, fungal infections of the eye can be very serious and result in permanent vision damage if not treated immediately. Fungal infections often occur after an eye injury or in individuals with weakened immune systems.

The herpes virus can infect the eyes, causing symptoms like pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Two types of herpes can affect the eyes: herpes simplex, which causes pain in the cornea, and herpes zoster (shingles), which can cause painful blisters around the eyelids.

Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. Although it is often not caused by an infection, it can sometimes be triggered by an infectious agent. Uveitis can lead to severe pain, blurry vision, and light sensitivity, and requires immediate medical treatment to prevent permanent damage.

A thorough eye exam involves inspecting the entire eye with specialized instruments, such as slit lamps, to assess the extent of the infection and any damage to the eye.

Our eye doctors will ask about your symptoms, recent activities, and any underlying medical conditions to help identify the cause of your infection and tailor treatment accordingly.

In some cases, we may need to take samples from the eye to identify the exact microorganism causing the infection. This helps us determine the most effective treatment for your condition.

Our doctors may use dyes or advanced imaging technologies to better visualize the infection and assess any damage to the eye. This allows us to track the progress of healing and adjust treatment as necessary.

After your initial treatment, we will monitor your progress to ensure the infection is responding to therapy. In some cases, follow-up visits may be necessary to ensure that the infection does not return or cause further complications.

With proper treatment, most eye infections clear up within one to two weeks. However, viral infections may take longer to resolve, and some may require extended care.

No. You should stop wearing contact lenses immediately if you suspect an eye infection. Wait until the infection is fully treated before resuming lens use, as wearing them can worsen the infection.

Many eye infections, especially viral conjunctivitis (pink eye), are contagious. Avoid close contact with others until your infection has cleared up, as advised by our ophthalmologists.

Most health insurance plans cover medically necessary treatment for eye infections. Our staff can help you navigate your insurance coverage to ensure you receive the care you need.

If left untreated, some eye infections can cause permanent vision loss or blindness. Seeking prompt medical attention from our ophthalmologists can prevent long-term damage to your eyes.

If your symptoms worsen or fail to improve after starting treatment, contact our eye doctors immediately for a follow-up evaluation and possible adjustment of your treatment plan.

It is best to stay home if you have symptoms of an eye infection, especially if it is contagious. Follow your doctor's advice on when it is safe to return to work or school.

While most eye infections are treatable and mild, some can cause significant damage to your vision if not addressed quickly. It's important to seek professional care at the first sign of infection to avoid complications.

If your child exhibits signs of an eye infection, keep them home and schedule a visit with our ophthalmologists. Children can develop infections quickly, and early treatment helps prevent complications.

Practice good hygiene by washing hands often, avoiding touching eyes, and not sharing personal items. Regular cleaning of common areas and following your doctor's care instructions can help prevent the spread of eye infections.

While over-the-counter drops may offer temporary relief, they cannot treat the underlying infection. Our eye doctors will prescribe the right medication to specifically target the infection and promote healing.

If your child shows signs of severe pain, vision changes, or thick discharge, or if their symptoms don't improve after a day or two, bring them to our office for an evaluation.

Bacterial infections typically cause thick, colored discharge and are treated with antibiotics. Viral infections cause watery discharge and generally require supportive care. Our eye doctors can differentiate between the two and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Allergies themselves do not cause infections, but they can lead to itching and rubbing, which may introduce bacteria and increase the risk of a secondary infection.

Use a clean, warm washcloth or cotton pad for each eye, wiping gently from the inner corner to the outer corner. Never reuse cloths, and always wash your hands before and after cleaning your eyes.

Swimming in contaminated water, such as pools, lakes, or oceans, can introduce harmful bacteria or viruses to your eyes. Always remove your contact lenses before swimming, and consider wearing goggles to protect your eyes.

Contact lenses can trap bacteria and reduce oxygen flow to the eyes. Poor hygiene, such as sleeping in lenses or using contaminated cleaning solutions, increases the risk of developing an eye infection.

People with strong immune systems and proper hygiene practices are less likely to develop eye infections. However, anyone can be affected, particularly after exposure to contaminated environments.

Stress can weaken your immune system and make it harder to fight infections. Additionally, stress may cause you to rub your eyes more, which can worsen existing infections.

Replace your contact lens case every three months, or sooner if it becomes damaged. Always clean the case with fresh solution and let it air dry after each use.