An eye infection is a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection of the eye. Many separate areas of the eye can be affected, and depending on the location of the infection and the type of infection, symptoms and effects vary.
What is an eye infection?
Eye infections and eye inflammation are quite common and should first be evaluated by a primary care physician or ophthalmologist. Many viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi that can invade the human body are also capable of attacking the surface of the eye, or even penetrating deeper into the organ. Depending on the infestation, the shape of the eye infection can vary greatly. The most common eye infection is viral infection. In most cases, it affects the inside of the eyelids or the inner corners of the ocular surface. However, blood vessels, retina, optic nerve or ocular fluid can also be affected. Fungi usually affect the blood supply to the retina. Because the eye is a complex organ with many individual components, the possibilities for specific infections are wide-ranging. Eye infections are most common in young children. In many cases, these infections are also contagious.
Causes
There can be numerous causes of eye infection. The most common causes include histoplasmosis, chlamydia and gonorrhea, herpes virus. Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection of the lungs that affects many people at least once in their lives, but often passes without any bad side effects. Even years after infestation, the fungus can migrate to the retina and cause damage. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are common STDs. Infection of the eyes can occur either through direct contact with infected genitals or by rubbing with the hands. Herpes can cause a similar eye infection as chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, the danger to the eyes and the vision of the affected person are even more difficult to assess in this case. Up to 15 percent of people who suffer an eye infection caused by herpes complain of partial vision loss.
Symptoms, symptoms and signs
In most cases, an eye infection is associated with very unpleasant symptoms and discomfort, which can significantly reduce the quality of life of the affected person. Patients suffer from an eye infection primarily due to inflammation in the eye itself. The eyes are clearly reddened and may also hurt or itch. The itching often intensifies when the eyes are rubbed or when the eyes are subjected to excessive strain. Furthermore, the eye infection also leads to the formation of a crust on the edges of the eyes and thus to a sticking of the eyes. Especially in the morning or before going to bed, these complaints can be intensified. The eyes themselves are swollen and affected by pain during an eye infection. The pain often spreads to the head or ears. Furthermore, an eye infection can also negatively limit and reduce the vision of the affected person if left untreated. In the worst case, it also leads to complete blindness. The immune system of the affected person is generally weakened by this infection, so that the affected person is susceptible to various diseases. The daily life of the affected person is also negatively affected by this infection.
Diagnosis and course
Eye infections cause relatively nonspecific symptoms. Even after detailed laboratory examinations, diagnoses are often not entirely clear. A yellowish or brownish discharge from the eye is often indicative of a bacterial infection. These bacteria may have reached the eye through feces, pet hair, smoke or other scents. Itchy and thick eyes are often a symptom of allergic infections. A less infected looking infection (more pink than red) often indicates a viral infection. Blurred vision and altered perception of light is common with eye infections; usually caused by excreted fluid. When making a diagnosis, special care should be taken to rule out other diseases that cause similar symptoms, such as glaucoma, uveitis, and keratitis.
Complications
Ocular infection can lead to inflammation of the eye, which may also ulcerate.Different diseases can be distinguished, all of which have similar complications. In the eye, it is mainly the conjunctiva that is affected by inflammation. From there, the infection can spread to other structures of the eye, such as the cornea or the eyelid. The eyelid can become misaligned and turn inward (entropion), causing a foreign body sensation. In addition, the eyelashes rub against the eyeball (trichiasis), which worsens the symptoms. At the cornea a dangerous clouding can occur, which at first impairs the vision and in the worst case can end in blindness. In addition, chronic inflammation can lead to the formation of a scar tissue (pannus) in the area of the cornea and conjunctiva, so that vision is also impaired here. The pannus can also occur in the area of the lacrimal ducts. As a result, the eye is no longer properly moistened and dries out, making it painful and more susceptible to infection. Generally, infection of the eye is caused by various pathogens. One of the most common consequences that develops is a weakening of the immune system, increasing the risk of another pathogen infecting the eye, called a superinfection. This further complicates treatment of the eye and increases the risk of blindness.
Treatment and therapy
For allergic eye infections, cooling helps with acute symptoms. In worse cases, anti-inflammatory medications may be necessary. If the allergy is more frequent, antihistamines should be taken. Bacterial infections usually resolve without treatment. Antibiotics or eye drops are only necessary if the infection does not resolve after three days. However, immediate use of antibiotics can speed healing of the eye infection by more than a day. A special exception to the bacterial eye infection is the infection caused by chlamydia. This STD is the most common cause of blindness and will not heal without the use of antibiotics. Viral infections also normally heal after a few days. One possible treatment for eye infections caused by histoplasmosis is cauterization of the affected tissue. This repeated cauterization or burning of the tissue prevents the fungus from doing further uncontrolled damage itself. However, damage that has already occurred cannot be healed.
Outlook and prognosis
Usually, an eye infection heals within a few days without consequences. A prerequisite for this is prompt treatment of the inflammation with eye drops containing an antibiotic or cortisone, depending on the causative pathogen. Occasionally, spontaneous healing without medical help is also possible. If an eye infection with severe symptoms such as pus formation, swelling and redness is not treated, it can spread within the eye and lead to permanent vision damage. Prognosis must also be cautious if the eye infection is due to an underlying immune deficiency caused by another disease. In these cases, a cure depends on whether the underlying disease can be successfully controlled or at least well controlled. The patient’s behavior can also have a decisive influence on the healing process. Poor hygiene, such as not washing hands before administering the eye drops or constant rubbing of the eyes, leads to the spread of germs, which causes the infection to flare up again and again. In addition, the eye drops must be applied to the eye several times a day as directed by the physician to ensure effectiveness. The use of contact lenses during an eye infection calls the success of treatment into question, as do stays in dusty rooms and strong sun or light exposure. Consistent adherence to treatment recommendations and eye protection will greatly improve the chances of cure.
Prevention
The best prevention against most types of eye infections is caution. Most infections are caused by hands in the eyes. Thus, when dealing with infected persons, care should be taken not to pick up possible carriers through the hands and spread them on one’s face. This also applies, of course, to sexual intercourse with infected persons. Washing utensils such as towels should generally not be shared.
Aftercare
One of the purposes of follow-up care is to prevent possible complications of an eye infection. However, this severe form of the disease is the exception. Risks arise only when the eye is severely affected. Redness and pus then spread in the eye. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to prevent lasting damage. A final control examination then takes place. The doctor sometimes also examines the retina. A blood test can provide information about the spread of the disease. Furthermore, aftercare is basically aimed at helping the patient to cope with everyday life. This is not necessary because the eye infection clears up within a short time. Sometimes, however, causal research is carried out. Particularly in the case of frequent infections, the attending physician points out that hygienic standards must be observed. Patients should never touch their eyes with unwashed hands. Bacteria and viruses thus find their way to the visual organ. An eye infection is usually treated by an ophthalmologist on an outpatient basis. In the majority of cases, there is no need for follow-up care because the medication is completed within a few days. Complaints are no longer present. The patient resumes his or her usual life without any restrictions.
Here’s what you can do yourself
If a severe infection has occurred in the eye area, treatment by an ophthalmologist is essential. Prompt treatment can quickly relieve symptoms in the eye. If it is a serious eye infection, anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat it. Bacterial infections usually do not require medical treatment. Thanks to the self-healing powers of the human body, a bacterial infection can resolve without treatment. However, to make the time until recovery more pleasant, it is recommended to use harmless, but still effective home remedies. An effective remedy to relieve eye irritation and heal infections is the so-called eyebright tea. Drinking the tea can promote healing from within. If the eye infection is accompanied by severe swelling of the eyelids, treatment with fennel is a useful option. Fennel has a soothing, mild and decongestant effect and can be used on children without any problems. A well-known home remedy for the treatment of eye infections is chamomile tea. With a saline solution from the pharmacy you can disinfect and moisten your eye area, so that a quick relief of the eye infection is possible. However, if home remedies do not provide relief after a long period of time, sufferers should see a doctor and have the problem treated by a professional.
