Perhaps your eyes are irritated and beginning to appear slightly pink. Is it possible that it’s an infection, you ponder? Your doctor can have the last say, but there are important signs to look out for that can offer you hints.
An eye infection can manifest in several ways. Many factors rely on the specific area of your eye that is affected. For example, you may experience symptoms in many parts of your body:
Upper eyelid Transparent layer that covers the outside part of your colored part of the eye
The conjunctiva is a thin, moist membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the outer white region of the eye.
Signs of an Eye Infection
It is possible to experience symptoms in either one or both eyes when you have an infection. Be cautious of this type of problem:
How your eye is experiencing sensation. You might observe issues such as:
- Discomfort or unease
- Eye irritation
- Sensation of something being on or in your eye Eye pain when exposed to strong light (photophobia)
- Blazing in your gaze
- Tiny, uncomfortable bump beneath your eyelid or near the root of your eyelashes
- The eyelid is sensitive when you touch it
- Eyes continue to produce tears
- Eye irritation
The appearance of your eye. You might have alterations such as:
- Fluid coming from one or both eyes that is yellow, green, or transparent Pinkish hue in the sclera of your eyes
- Enlarged, crimson, or violet eyelids
- Dry eyelashes and eyelids, especially in the morning
- How clearly you perceive. You can get hazy vision.
Additional issues you can experience include elevated body temperature, difficulty using contact lenses, and enlarged lymph nodes in close proximity to your ear.
Categories of Eye Infections
Once you consult with your doctor, they might identify the infection you are experiencing. You might hear them utilize medical terminology such as:
Conjunctivitis
It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva and typically causes the eyes to appear pink. It can be triggered by a bacteria or virus, however occasionally it can be acquired by an allergic reaction or irritants.
It is typical to develop pinkeye when you have a cold. In adults, it is typically caused by a virus, but in children it is more likely to be bacterial.
Inflammation of the Cornea
This is an infection of your cornea that can be caused by microorganisms in water. It’s a frequent issue for individuals who use contact lenses.
Eye Infection
It may appear as uncomfortable red pimples beneath your eyelid or around the roots of your eyelashes. You acquire them when the oil glands in your eyelid or eyelashes become infected with germs. These are akin to a pimple, and are not easily spread.
Eye Diseases caused by Fungi
Infections caused by fungi are uncommon, but they can have devastating consequences. Several fungal eye infections occur following an eye injury, particularly if your eye was scratched by an object from a plant, such as a twig or a thorn.
You can also acquire one if you wear contact lenses and fail to properly clean them.
Inflammation of the Uvea
This is an inflammation of the central part of your eye, known as the uvea. It may result from specific viruses such as herpes, but is more frequently associated with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Conclusion
Prior to determining the most suitable treatment for your illness, your doctor will need to examine your eye and may also collect a sample of tissue or fluid. The sample will be sent to a laboratory, where it will be examined using a microscope or placed in a dish to cultivate.
Depending on the lab results, your doctor can recommend oral medication, a topical ointment for your eyelid and eye, or eye drops.
If the infection is caused by an accident, allergy, irritation, or another health condition, they may recommend alternative therapies to address those concerns. It’s best to avoid wearing contact lenses until your eye infection has healed.