Common Eye Infections

The conjunctiva is the clear, thin, vascular tissue which lies over the white part of the eye (sclera) and on the back of the eyelid. Inflammation of the conjunctiva, or conjunctivitis, has been commonly referred to as "red eye" or "pink eye." Conjunctivitis can be the result of infection from a variety of bacteria or viruses. Infectious conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by a virus and can be highly contagious. It is spread by direct contact as well as by contact with contaminated fingers, towels, handkerchiefs, pillows, etc. A variety of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents are available to treat conjunctivitis and can lessen the degree of inflammation, increase patient comfort, and decrease the course of the infection and/or inflammation.
Conjunctivitis can also be the result of an allergic response of the conjunctiva. Allergic conjunctivitis is typically mild, seasonal, and accompanied by redness and itching.
Although most cases of conjunctivitis are not a serious threat, a number of potentially blinding eye conditions are accompanied by eye redness. Prompt diagnosis by your optometric physician will differentiate these various conditions from routine cases of conjunctivitis.

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea or the clear front surface of the eye. A variety of conditions can cause keratitis. Most cases of keratitis are the result of infection or irritation of the sensitive front corneal surface. A corneal ulcer is a serious form of keratitis in which there is a breakdown of the corneal surface as a result of infection or inflammation. Corneal ulcers may be seen in patients who wear extended wear soft contact lenses. When ulcers are infected, they pose a serious threat to the eye and vision. Any contact lens wearer who develops pain, light sensitivity, decreased vision, and eye redness should seek immediate care from your optometric physician.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eye lid margins and the oil producing glands within the substance of the eye ids. Blepharitis results from chronic low-grade infection and inflammation of the lid margins and eyelid glands. The most common symptoms are chronic eye lid redness, crusting on the eyelids particularly in the morning, and a gritty, sandy sensation or feeling. Treatment for blepharitis includes continuous eye lid washing, warm compresses, and massage, and occasionally the use of antibiotic ointments and/or drops.

A sty is an infection near the root of an eye lash. Symptoms include the acute or rapid onset of eyelid redness, swelling, and pain at the location of an inflammatory nodule. Warm compresses will often cause the sty to spontaneously drain and resolve. Occasionally, topical and/or systemic antibiotics may be necessary to eliminate this infection.

A chalazion is a non-infectious granulomatous inflammation of one or more of the glands contained in the upper or lower eye lid. A chalazion produces a non tender and focal nodule within the substance of the eyelid. Chalazion can persist for several months and conservative treatment with warm compresses will often cause the chalazion to resolve. In those cases where the chalazion does not spontaneously resolve with conservative treatment, then incision and drainage of the chalazion is curative. Chalazia are often recurrent,occurring in either eye and both eye lids.