All About Eye Infection

Are you accustomed to rubbing your eyes when feeling uncomfortable? When you use your hands to rub the eyes without paying attention to the hygiene conditions, the germs and viruses would get into the eyes and result in eye infection eventually. Many people don’t take eye infections seriously as they usually can be cured by properly using relevant medications in most cases. However, there are several types of eye infections and some of them may lead to severe visual problems. Read on to get more knowledge about eye infections.

What Are The Types Of Eye Infections?

Eye infection can be demonstrated in various types, and it will depend on which part of your eyes is infected. Usually, when the viruses enter the eyes, they mostly attack the eyelid, cornea, and conjunctiva. Once one of the three parts is getting invaded by the viruses, the eyes may have signs of red, itch, or pain, and sometimes there are pimples on the eyelids. Meanwhile, according to different types of eye infections, the ocular area that has been infected and the symptoms would vary as well. The common eye infections can include:

• Stye

When something blocks the oil glands that are in the eyelid, small red bumps will grow on the edge of the eyelid, and these bumps are recognized as stye. They can be painful and shelter a part of the vision, and the eyes will constantly feel uncomfortable in this situation. The good news is this kind of eye infection is not contagious and it’s often can be treated by basic medical remedies like eye drops. Sometimes it’s important to distinguish stye from chalazion, which is also an eye condition with pimples on the eyelid. But it’s painless and usually grows on a further edge of the eyelid.

• Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is one of the most common types of eye infection. It’s a highly contagious eye disease and commonly happens among children in classrooms due to the neglect of eye hygiene. In this case, not only the kids but also their teachers have a risk to be infected. This disease often occurs when the blood vessels in the conjunctiva are attacked by viruses or bacteria, however, some people also get it because of allergic reactions. The most obvious symptom of conjunctivitis is the pink eye, and this is where its name comes from.

• Keratitis

It’s a corneal inflammation caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites in water, or it can result from an eye injury, such as a penetrating injury to the eyes due to a tree branch. People who are accustomed to wearing contact lenses are at higher risk of having keratitis. Thus, washing hands every time before removing the contact lenses from the eyes, changing the lenses on a regular basis, and wearing goggles during swimming is truly crucial to prevent keratitis.

• Uveitis

Uveitis indicates the infection of the uvea, which is the pigment layer of the eye and includes the iris and choroid. Besides viral infections or eye injury, uveitis can also connect with immune-system deficiencies such as lupus. It’s essential to figure out what’s the main cause of uveitis so it can be treated in a proper way. According to different causes of uveitis, the treatment of this type of eye infection can include eye drops, ointment, or oral medications. Also, contact lenses should be forbidden before it’s cured.

• Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid. It’s not contagious in most cases and won’t lead to blindness. The block in the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes will lead to blepharitis and in the meantime, the edge of the eyelid becomes red, itchy, dry, and swollen. Blurred vision is also a possible sign in this circumstance. Among several causes of blepharitis, wearing contact lenses in an inappropriate way is a leading reason just like other types of eye infection. Therefore, you might realize how important to pay attention to eye hygiene.

• Trachoma

Trachoma is a severe eye infection that can lead to blindness. Although it’s rare in the United States, it still has a higher prevalence in some other countries in the world. Trachoma usually infects the inner eyelid, causing it to begin scarring. The scarring then would cause the eyelid to turn inward and the eyelashes to begin rubbing and damaging the tissue on the cornea, which can lead to permanent blindness eventually. To control the spread of this type of eye infection, eye hygiene is the key measure.

Know more about eye infection: All about Eye Infection