Eye Infections: A Comprehensive Guide

Bacterial conjunctivitis is one of the most frequently encountered eye infections. It occurs when bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae invade the conjunctiva – the clear, protective lining of your eye. These bacteria can be transferred from one person to another through contaminated hands, contact with infected fomites like towels or makeup, or even adjacent colonization from the nasal or sinus areas.

When an infection takes hold, you might notice your eye becoming red and irritated, often accompanied by a mucopurulent or watery discharge. The discharge may cause your eyelids to stick together, especially after sleep, making it uncomfortable in the morning. The condition is usually self-limited and tends to resolve within about 10 days, but treatment with antibiotics can hasten recovery, reduce discomfort, and limit the spread to others.

• Key Symptoms: Red eye, purulent or muco-purulent discharge, irritation, tearing, and sometimes light sensitivity.
• Risk Factors: Poor hygiene, contaminated cosmetics, crowded living or school environments, contact lens misuse, and ocular surface diseases.

For many cases, a clinical examination is enough to diagnose bacterial conjunctivitis without the need for laboratory testing. However, in atypical cases or those that do not respond to initial treatment, further tests such as Gram stains, cultures, or rapid antigen tests may be considered. This precise evaluation ensures that our eye doctors can determine the severity of the infection and decide if alternative management is needed.

Viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye,” is another typical type of eye infection encountered in our practice. It is most often caused by adenoviruses, and unlike its bacterial counterpart, the discharge is usually watery rather than thick or purulent. You may experience a gritty or burning sensation along with a red, inflamed eye.

Viral infections tend to be extremely contagious and may accompany symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, such as a sore throat or fever. Even though the condition often resolves on its own within a week or two, the discomfort during the course of the illness can be challenging. Here’s the thing: while antibiotics are not effective against viruses, supportive measures can help you feel more comfortable as your body fights off the infection.

• Key Symptoms: Redness, watery discharge, irritation, burning sensation, and sometimes associated with sore throat or fever.
• Risk Factors: Close contact with someone who has pink eye, frequent use of shared items like towels, and environments such as schools or workplaces with many people in close contact.

Managing viral conjunctivitis primarily involves supportive care such as cold compresses, preservative-free artificial tears, and maintaining strict hygiene measures to curb the spread. Our eye doctors often counsel patients on appropriate care, ensuring you understand that while the infection itself will resolve, symptom relief is crucial during the healing process.

Fungal eye infections, including fungal keratitis, are less common than bacterial and viral conjunctivitis but can be more serious. These infections are triggered when fungi – such as Candida, Aspergillus, or Fusarium species – invade the cornea after there is a breach in the epithelial barrier. Trauma, especially with organic matter, or misuse of contact lenses can increase your risk of developing a fungal infection of the eye.

The progression of fungal infections tends to be slower, and the symptoms may initially mimic other types of infections. Over time, however, one may notice a white or gray infiltrate with feathery borders on the corneal surface, accompanied by pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Because of the serious nature of fungal eye infections, early identification and prompt treatment are essential.

• Key Symptoms: Redness, eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and sometimes a thick, white or gray discharge.
• Risk Factors: Ocular trauma (especially with vegetable matter), chronic topical steroid use, and compromised ocular surface conditions.

Diagnosing fungal infections often requires a higher degree of suspicion. In many cases, the diagnosis is confirmed through corneal scrapings and laboratory tests, including smears with specialized stains or PCR for rapid identification. The precise identification of the fungal organism helps our eye doctors tailor treatment to use effective antifungal drops or even systemic medications if needed, reducing the risk of serious complications like corneal scarring or perforation.