Eye infection occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites come into contact with the eye and begin to multiply. It can occur through an injury, scratch or by touching your eyes with dirty hands, for example.
The main symptoms of infection are eye pain, burning sensation or itching, red eye and light sensitivity. Some types of eye infection are viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, as well as viral, bacterial and fungal keratitis.
Treatment of eye infection should be done by an ophthalmologist, who will perform a complete assessment to indicate the most appropriate treatment, which may include eye drops, ointments or medication, depending on the type and severity of the infection.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of eye infection are:
- Eye pain;
- Red eye;
- Light or photophobia sensitivity;
- Sensation of burning or itching;
- Presence of secretion, which can be clear, yellowish or greenish;
- Blurred vision.
In addition, eye infection can cause eyelid swelling by accumulating liquids around the eye and a feeling that there is something inside the eye, such as cisco or dust.
Possible causes
Eye infection can be caused by the entry of microorganisms through an injury, scratch or by touching your eyes with dirty hands.
In addition, incorrect use of contact lenses, as well as medical procedures or eye surgery, can facilitate the entry of these microorganisms and cause eye infection.
Some sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea and herpes can also reach the eye and cause infection.
Types of Eye Infection
Some types of eye infection are:
1. Viral conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is an infection caused by viruses, usually the same that causes cold, such as adenoviruses, which leads to inflammation of the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye.
The main symptoms include intense eye discomfort, redness, itching and excessive tears. See other symptoms of viral conjunctivitis.
What to do: The treatment of viral conjunctivitis is done by the ophthalmologist, which may indicate the use of lubricating eye drops and application of cold compresses to reduce irritation and discomfort.
It is also recommended to avoid close contact with other people, do not scratch their eyes and wash their hands frequently to avoid transmission.
2. Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection caused by bacteria that affects the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the white part of the eye. The most common bacteria in this type of infection are Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae.
This form of conjunctivitis usually causes symptoms such as redness in the eyes, feeling of sand or burning, swollen eyelids and thick, yellow or greenish secretion.
What to do: The ophthalmologist should be consulting, who can guide treatment with antibiotic eye drops or ointments such as tobramicin and sodium sulfacetamide, which help eliminate infection.
3. Bacterial keratitis
Bacterial keratitis is a corneal infection caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas. It can cause severe pain, redness, yellowish secretion, light sensitivity and vision if not treated quickly.
What to do: Treatment requires urgency and should be guided by the ophthalmologist, which may indicate the use of potent antibiotics, such as 0.5% moxifloxacin or 0.3% or 0.5% gatifloxacin, to quickly combat bacteria and prevent permanent damage to corneal.
4. Viral keratitis
Viral keratitis is a corneal infection, the transparent part of the front of the eye. The main responsible is the Herpes Simplex virus, leading to the emergence of symptoms such as itching, swelling, redness, eye irritation, excessive tearing or blurry vision.
What to do: The ophthalmologist should be consulted to indicate treatment, which can be done with antiviral eye drops such as trifluridine, and oral antivirals such as acyclovir or valaciclovir.
Also read: Herpes in the eye (eye): what is, symptoms, causes and treatment
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5. Fungal keratitis
Fungal keratitis is a corneal infection, caused by fungi such as Fusarium, Aspergillus or Candida. It is less common than other types of keratitis, but can be dangerous if not treated.
This type of infection usually happens after eye injuries, especially when in contact with plants or earth. It is also common in people who use contact lenses inappropriately.
The main symptoms are eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision and secretion. In some cases a white spot may appear in the cornea.
What to do: To treat fungal keratitis, the doctor may prescribe specific antifungal eye drops, such as 5%Natamycin, and in more severe cases, oral treatment with vororonazole, for example.
In cases that do not respond to medicines, a corneal transplant may be required.
6. Endoftalmite
Endophthalmic is a severe infection caused by bacteria or fungi that affects the inside of the eyeball, which may occur due to a rare complication of surgeries or trauma in the eye, which can lead to loss of vision if not treated rapidly.
Symptoms appear rapidly and include intense eye, redness, very blurred vision or vision loss, swelling of the eyelids, light sensitivity and sometimes secretion.
What to do: The ophthalmologist should immediately appear symptoms of infection after eye surgery or trauma, so that the doctor quickly starts treatment according to the microorganism responsible for the infection.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of eye infection is made by the ophthalmologist, through physical examination, where the doctor evaluates symptoms and checks the eyes and vision.
In some cases, the doctor may request a sample of the eye secretion, using a cotton swab or gently scraping the corneal surface for laboratory analysis, thus helping to identify the infection -causing microorganism.
Also, when necessary, the doctor can request eye image examination, such as confocal microscopy, which allows you to visualize eye structures in detail.
How to prevent eye infection
To prevent eye infection is due:
- Always wash your hands before touching the eye;
- Avoid scratching the eye;
- Wear goggles if you work in locations at risk of trauma;
- Avoid sharing towels, scarves or makeup.
In addition, to prevent eye infection is also recommended proper care with contact lenses, such as washing hands well before moving the lens and cleaning lenses with disinfectant solution.
Source: www.tuasaude.com