Introduction
Pus usually develops during a bacterial or viral infection, it is the cell remnants or degradation products from the cells that fight against invading pathogens. If pus occurs in the eye, the person affected is already infected, usually this is located in the eye itself or on the eyelids. The pus usually appears as a thick whitish-yellowish fluid and can occur at various locations in or on the eye. This topic might also be of interest to you: Eye infection
Causes
There are several possible causes for a suppurating eye. Bacterial infections are particularly frequent causes of such symptoms. Conjunctivitis is one of the classic bacterial infectious diseases of the eye, which can present itself with pus in the eye.
Various pathogens can be responsible for the inflammation. A conjunctivitis can also develop indirectly, so to speak, in that a foreign body or an infection of the eyelid irritates the conjunctiva or passes over to it, thus causing an infection. In the case of a barleycorn, an infection of the eyelid occurs.
Typically, the barleycorn presents with swelling, redness and central pus formation. Besides bacteria, viruses can also be responsible for a purulent eye. The herpes viruses and the so-called adenoviruses are the most important ones.
The barleycorn represents a bacterial inflammation of certain glands (Meibom or Zeis glands) of the eyelid. It is one of the most common diseases of the eye and classically appears with a painful small lump on the upper or lower eyelid. This is accompanied by redness and swelling and usually shows a centrally located core of pus.
The pus-filled nodule can open spontaneously, which can then lead to the image of a suppurating eye. Occasionally, abscesses (encapsulated cavities filled with pus) can form from the small inflammatory nodules. As a rule, however, barley grains heal without complications.
If necessary, antibiotic eye drops can be used to treat a barley grain; gentamicin eye drops are particularly common. Conjunctivitis can be caused by various pathogens or can also occur as part of an allergy. In addition, there are also non-infectious causes which can cause conjunctivitis.
These include, among other things, heavy strain on the eyes, for example due to intensive screen work. There are typical symptoms of conjunctivitis, which include Depending on the trigger of the inflammatory reaction, the symptoms can be of varying severity. Conjunctivitis, which is based on an infection with bacteria or viruses, is the most common cause of a purulent eye.
In this context, the pus in the eye develops from the defence cells that migrate into the eye during an inflammation with bacteria or viruses and whose cell remnants and defence substances appear as whitish yellowish secretion. The pathogens causing conjunctivitis include various bacteria as well as certain viruses, for example the so-called adenoviruses. These viruses are often responsible for colds, especially in children.
A conjunctivitis with adenoviruses carries a high risk of infection, especially in the stage of purulent secretion. In medical terminology this is called “contagious”. In order to avoid spreading, strict hygienic measures must therefore be taken.
Another trigger of conjunctivitis can be Chlamydia. These lead to small nodular or blister-like changes on the inside of the upper or lower eyelid and can also be associated with a purulent discharge. In adults, infection with chlamydia develops through unprotected sexual intercourse.
If one of the partners is infected with chlamydia on the genitalia, transmission to the eye can occur, especially through contact with the hands.
- Reddened, burning, itching eyes
- Foreign body sensation
- Aching eyes
- Purulent or clear discharge from the eyes.
If babies or toddlers suffer from a cold, it can also lead to inflammation of the eye. In this case, a spread of the infection through a so-called smear infection leads to the inflammation of the eye.
This is understood to be a transmission of pathogens through contact with the hands. The infection of the eye in the context of a cold is particularly frequent as conjunctivitis. In addition to other symptoms, this can then also present itself with a purulent eye.In babies and small children, viruses are usually responsible for colds, especially the so-called adenoviruses.
In contrast to other viruses, these are extremely infectious but are usually considered harmless. As a rule, the conjunctivitis usually heals in parallel with the resolution of the cold symptoms. In bacterially caused colds, which are accompanied by an infection of the eye, treatment with antibiotic eye drop ointments may be necessary.
