I have an eye infection. What should I do?
Do you feel like itching your eyes that get red and swollen eyes? You possibly are suffering from an ocular (eye) infection. Eye infections are broadly classified into three groups.
Infections usually affect the following part of the eyes:
- Eyelid
- Cornea or the clear surface around the iris
- Conjunctiva – the thin, moist layer covering the inner eye region and the outer white part of your eye
Common ocular infection symptoms include –
- Pain or discomfort
- Itchy eyes
- Eye irritation
- Feeling that something’s on or in the eye
- Extreme light sensitivity that’s hurtful
- Burning sensation
- Small, painful lump under your eyelid or at the base of your eyelashes
- Tender eyelids
Other extreme symptoms include blurry vision, fever, trouble wearing contact lenses, swollen lymph nodes behind the ear, etc.
Let us learn about common Eye or ocular infections:
Conjunctivitis – Commonly called the ‘pink eye’, it can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Sometimes it can also be triggered by allergens. Pin eye predominantly appears if one has an acute cold and cough.
Uveitis – This is a Herpes-type viral eye infection that causes inflammation of the middle portion of the eye or uvea. It is commonly seen in patients with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatism or lupus.
Stye – When the eye’s oil glands get infected by bacteria, they produce tiny red bumps under the eyelids or the base of eyelashes, which are often painful.
Endophthalmitis – This is a severe eye infection caused by the candida fungus family. It can also be bacteria-borne. The insides of the eye get reddened, swollen and discharge pus. It is often painful, and patients experience sensitivity to light.
Keratitis – Bacteria, viruses or parasites in the water can cause eye inflammation. This condition is common among those wearing contact lenses.
Blepharitis – Although similar to a stye in symptoms, blepharitis is caused by lice, mites or dandruff on the scalp or skin. This causes eye pores to clog, causing inflammation, pain, and a feeling of something stuck in the eye. In addition, the skin folds or eyelashes get crusty due to extreme itchiness and drying.
If you have been experiencing pain and discomfort due to eye infections despite medication, it is time to seek a second opinion from super-specialists. Search for the best ophthalmologist near me online, and you shall be redirected to SeekMed, the best telemedicine platform in India. SeekMed facilitates easy and convenient online medical consultations with award-winning doctors. They examine your eye and take tissue or fluid samples with the help of SeeMed’s door to door lab services. After confirming diagnosis based on the test results, you shall be administered eye drops, oral antibiotics, anti-fungal, anti-viral or anti-bacterial eye creams and lotions. If the root cause is traced back to injury, allergy or other health conditions, our best ophthalmologists will help you explore affordable and effective treatment options. Improve your eye health with India’s top doctors only at SeekMed.
