Eye Infection

How do I know if I have an eye infection?

There are a few types of eye infections, and therefore a few ways that they can present themselves. You might be able to tell if your eye is infected by how it feels, with symptoms like:

• Irritated, burning, or itchy eyes
• Excessive tearing
• An eyelid that’s tender to the touch
• A tiny, uncomfortable lump at the base of your eyelashes or under your eyelid
• Increased sensitivity to light, or pain when it’s bright outside
• The feeling that there’s something stuck on or in your eye

Eye infections can also present themselves with visual symptoms, like:

• Crust on your eyelashes and eyelids
• Eyelids that are red, purple, or swollen
• Pink color in the white area of your eyes
• Green, yellow, or clear discharge from one or both of your eyes

Eye infections can also affect your vision, making it more blurry. They might also give you a fever and/or swollen lymph nodes. 

Are all eye infections the same?

There are a few types of eye infections, like:

Conjunctivitis (or pinkeye)

Pinkeye is a viral or bacterial infection of your conjunctiva that gives your eye a pinkish tint.

Keratitis

Keratitis is corneal inflammation that comes from viruses, bacteria, or parasite in water. It most often affects people who wear contact lenses.

Stye

Styes are noncontagious bacterial infections of the oil glands in your eyelids or eyelashes. They’re similar to a pimple and show up as painful red bumps at the base of your eyelashes or under your eyelids. 

Fungal eye infection

Fungal eye infections are rare, but serious when they do occur. They typically show up after experiencing physical trauma in your eye, and can happen if your eye was scraped by a thorn, stick, or plant.

Uveitis

Uveitis is an inflammation of your uvea, which is the middle layer of your eye. It’s usually linked to autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, though it can also be caused by certain viruses like herpes.

What are the treatment options for an eye infection?

Your treatment depends on what type of eye infection you have, but some of the more common treatments include:

• Oral medication
• A topical cream to spread on your eyelid and eye
• Prescription eye drops

All of the optometrists at Dr. Gottlieb Optometry are TPA certified, which means that they’re capable of prescribing therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA) to treat certain conditions of the human eye, like infections, and can provide you with exceptionally effective medical treatments. 

Schedule your visit with Dr. Gottlieb Optometry by calling the office or booking an appointment online, and get treatment for your eye infection today.

Also serving locations including Del Amo/Palo Verde, Bellflower, Long Beach, Cerritos, Artesia, and Hawaiian Gardens. Call or book online for you appointment today!