Eye infections

5 Types of Eye Infections You Ought to Know

Dunedin Eye Care offers a wide array of optometry services for you and your family in Dunedin, FL. We're highly committed to keeping your eyes healthy and identifying any eye infections that may be present. To help you understand the importance of recognizing, treating, and preventing various types of eye infections, we've outlined five common types below: 

eye infections

1. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is the most prevalent type of eye infection. Also known as "pink eye," this condition causes inflammation and irritation of the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane covering your eye's white part). While mild cases can easily be treated with at-home remedies like warm compresses and artificial tears, more severe cases may require antibiotics or steroids. You should consider treatment immediately after you notice pink eye symptoms. 

2. Bacterial Keratitis

Bacterial keratitis is a cornea infection caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus, pseudomonas, and streptococcus. This type of eye infection can cause pain, itchy eyes, redness, light sensitivity, vision loss, blurred vision, and discharge. Treatment for bacterial keratitis often includes antibiotic eye drops, ointments, and steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation. However, an eye doctor may recommend a corneal transplant or other more complex procedures depending on the severity of the infection.

3. Viral Keratitis

Currently, there is no effective cure for viral keratitis. It is caused by a virus that attacks the cornea and can manifest as redness, light sensitivity, itchy eye, eye pain, blurred vision, or even vision loss. Treatment options include antiviral drugs given orally or through eye drops and steroidal medications to reduce cornea swelling. You can work with an experienced optometrist to create a personalized treatment plan.

4. Blepharitis

People diagnosed with blepharitis usually experience red, burning eyes and eyelid irritation. This inflammation is caused by an imbalance in the bacteria that normally live on the surface of your lashes. Consider using warm compresses, anti-inflammatory ointments, and antibiotics or antibacterial cleansers to treat this eye infection. If the disease is severe, your eye doctor may also prescribe antibiotics or steroidal drugs.

5. Stye

A stye occurs when a gland in your eyelid becomes clogged with bacteria. Symptoms of this type of eye infection include redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. Styes can be treated by applying warm compresses to reduce swelling and pressure and using an antibiotic ointment or eye drops. However, more serious cases may require surgical drainage to remove the stye.

Visit an Optometrist Today for Eye Infection Treatments

At Dunedin Eye Care in Dunedin, FL, we understand how painful and problematic eye infections can be. That's why our team of optometrists is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients in the area. Contact us at (727) 733-0443 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.

 

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