Eye infections

Most eye infections are easily treated. Your eyes are examined and you may even go through a few tests. If the cause of the infection is bacterial, you can use antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Antifungal drops for a fungal infection may be prescribed.

If a virus is the culprit, you’ll have to wait for the virus to run its course. In the meantime, you can use artificial tear solution or try warm or cool compresses to relieve some of the symptoms. However, there are eye infections, like uveitis, that may need more aggressive treatment. Without treatment, uveitis can lead to serious vision loss. That’s why it’s important to see someone immediately.

There are various kinds of eye infections. For pink eye, common causes include allergens, bacteria, viruses and irritants, such as chemicals, fumes smoke or dust.

Styes on the other hand are caused when an eyelash follicle gets infected, often by bacteria called staphylococcus. It might start out with some tenderness or redness. Then the stye may develop as a red bump, sometimes with a small pus spot in the middle. It is not contagious.

A stye is like another type of eyelid lump called a chalazion. A chalazion develops when one of the small oil glands along the eyelid gets blocked. The main difference is that a chalazion doesn’t hurt. A stye is different from pink eye, which is contagious.

Pink eye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a very common condition that affects children and adults. The pink or red appearance is caused by inflammation of the eyeball or inner eyelid.

It can be difficult to determine the cause of infection, but there are some specific symptoms. A virus may be the cause if you also have a cold or respiratory infection, or if the discharge is thin and watery. Bacteria could be the cause if you also have an ear infection or if discharge is thick. Allergies could also be the cause if your eyes itch intensely or if you have other allergies.

How is pink eye treated?

Pink eye treatment sometimes depends on the cause. A healthcare provider can give a diagnosis.

• Allergy medications and certain eye drops can treat allergic pink eye.
• Bacterial pink eye can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
• Pink eye caused by a virus cannot be treated with antibiotics. It will typically last seven to 14 days, but can last longer.

Make an appointment to see a healthcare provider right away if you have:

• A newborn with symptoms
• A weakened immune system
• Blurry vision
• Pain in an eye
• Pre-existing eye conditions
• Sensitivity to light
• Worsening symptoms

Follow these tips to reduce risk of infection:

• Avoid touching your eyes
• Clean extended-wear contacts or eyeglasses used while infected
• Throw away disposable contact lenses and solution used while infected
• Throw away eye or face makeup used while eye was infected
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water

Consult a healthcare provider if you or your child has symptoms of pink eye.

Styes

Styes are painful red bumps or lumps that develop along the edge of the eyelid. Occasionally, a stye will form on the inside of your eyelid.

How are styes treated?

Start with home remedies, such as putting a warm compress on your eye for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. It may help open up the clogged follicle, so it can drain. But don’t try to pop it or squeeze it, since that can spread the infection.

You may also need an antibiotic ointment to treat the infection or an eye exam may be needed to prescribe the right kind of stye medication for you. Don’t wear contact lenses while you have a stye and it may be recommended to avoid any eye makeup as well.

How can you prevent a stye?

Prevent styes by thoroughly cleaning your eyes before bedtime, especially if you wear eye makeup. If you have a stye that won’t go away, or you need help managing your symptoms, we can help.