Eye infections happen when harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, virus, or fungi enter the eye and attack it. This may include the eyelids, cornea, or the thin membrane that lines the inner eyelids (conjunctiva).

Pain, discomfort, itching, and irritation in the eyes are a few of the common symptoms of eye infections. While most cases of eye infection aren’t serious, cases of Uveitis, an infection that affects the middle layer of the eye, can cause harmful symptoms. Therefore, whenever you feel suspicious of an eye infection, you should immediately visit your eye doctor for an examination.

In case you wear contact lenses and have obtained an infection, you should abstain from its use until you have visited your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis of eye infection
There are many types of eye infections. In order to begin with the appropriate treatment, your doctor needs to determine the type of infection you have.

  • To do this, the doctor may take a sample from the affected eye area for a culture test to identify the exact type and cause of infection.
  • He may also use a cotton swab to sample the fluid from your eyelid for further tests. This will help research the cause of the infection.

If the doctor finds out which bacteria is causing the infection, he may prescribe an antibiotic that selectively targets it, causing further damage.

Prevention of eye infection
There are some effective ways which you can prevent eye infections from occurring.

  • For instance, if you are near a person who is affected by an eye infection such as conjunctivitis, etc, wash your hands thoroughly.
  • You can minimize the risk of acquiring viral or bacterial eye infections by using anti-infective cleansers and sprays in public areas such as classrooms, daycare centers, etc.
  • At home, if any of your family members are suffering from an eye infection, make sure to keep their towels and bed linens absolutely clean. Ask them to wash their hands after regular intervals to avoid the spread of bacteria.
  • Additionally, teach your children to properly wash their hands before touching their eyes.
  • If you wear contact lenses, it is important that you practice good hygiene, such as washing hands before handling contacts.
  • Lastly, make sure to never sleep while wearing your contact lenses as it can significantly increase the risk of an eye infection.

When to call a doctor?
It is important to consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Severe pain in the eye as you look into a bright light
  • A yellowish-green discharge from the eyes
  • High fever, chills and facial pain along with vision loss

Also, you must call the doctor right away if your newborn baby has pink or red eyes, as it may be a severe form of eye infection that could permanently damage the vision.