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For many individuals, eye infections may start with eye discomfort, itchiness, and redness. In some cases, vision may also be affected. If you are experiencing symptoms of an eye infection or believe you may have an eye infection, it is important to seek out eye care as soon as possible for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
What are Eye Infections?
If you’re dealing with redness, itchiness, and discharge in one or both of your eyes, you may have an eye infection. Common types of eye infections include blepharitis, cellulitis, dacryocystitis, pink eye, and more. Like other types of infections in the body, eye infections are caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Our professionals can determine which type of eye infection you have so that you can get the proper treatment you need.
Aside from redness, eye infections can cause other uncomfortable symptoms, such as:
- Swelling
- Itchiness
- Wateriness/Tearing
- Blurry Vision
- Discharge (white or yellow in color)
Allergies can also cause watery, red eyes. The difference lies in overall discomfort. While allergies can be irritating, an eye infection is extremely uncomfortable and can eventually impact your vision.
Diagnosing Eye Infections
While you may be able to tell you have an eye infection from symptoms alone, it is recommended that you consult with an eye care provider to be sure. To properly diagnose the infection, a thorough eye examination will be conducted, and a swab of any discharge will be tested. Proper diagnosis is key to successful treatment.
Preventing Eye Infections
Eye infections can easily be passed on to others. However, some simple tips can help reduce the spread of eye infections, including washing your hands frequently, refraining from rubbing or touching your eyes, cleaning your contact lenses correctly, and cleaning your contact lens case. It is also important to avoid sharing items such as towels or eye makeup, which touch your eye and may transfer the infection to others.
Eye Infection Treatments
Contrary to what you may read online, eye infections do not go away on their own. Left untreated, an eye infection can lead to permanent vision issues or the infection may spread to other parts of the body. This is why it’s extremely important to contact us so we can properly diagnose your eye condition.
Ultimately, treatment for an eye infection depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include anti-infective medication such as eye drops, ointments, or tablets. It generally takes 24-48 hours for antibacterial medications to kick in.
Viral or allergic infections may clear over time, but home remedies can help keep you comfortable as you heal. Using damp, warm, or cool compresses, lubricating eye drops, and over-the-counter pain relievers are all options.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of an eye infection, please contact us for an appointment today. Campus Eye Group in Hamilton, NJ, strives to provide professional, trusted eye care to each of our patients.
OUR TEAM
Our professional staff is comprised of both consulting board-certified ophthalmologists and therapeutically certified optometrists who deliver the highest quality of eye care, innovative medical and surgical care, ensuring that our patients are provided with the most innovative solutions for maintaining, enhancing, or preserving their sight.
State-of-the-art technology combined with a courteous and informed staff creates the perfect setting for all your vision and eye health needs from comprehensive eye exams to treatment for rare eye diseases.
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