Eye infections come in different forms and can occur due to various causes. Because of their varying causes, they often require different treatment plans. Each eye infection causes a specific combination of symptoms. However, some symptoms are common with all infections. Some symptoms are blurry vision, pain, redness, and itching.

Some infections heal on their own after a few days or weeks. Others take longer and may even cause blindness if they are not treated. You must see your Smithfield eye doctor as soon as possible when you get an eye infection. Eye doctors help diagnose the type of infection and advise on the best way forward.

So, what is the most common eye infection, and what are its symptoms and treatment?

What Is the Most Common Eye Infection?

The most common eye infection around the world is conjunctivitis. It is better known as pink eye. The name conjunctivitis comes from the target of the infection. It affects the thin layer of tissue that covers the inside of the eyelids and the sclera, called the conjunctiva.

The infection causes the conjunctiva to swell. Conjunctivitis affects either one or both eyes and can occur because of several reasons.

What Causes Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis can occur due to four leading causes.

• Viral infection.

• Bacterial infection.

• Allergies.

• In babies, incomplete opening of the tear duct.

• Foreign object or debris in the eye.

• Chemicals entering the eye.

Although it is irritating, conjunctivitis does not affect your vision. You can get treatments to ease the symptoms, but it naturally goes away after a few weeks. With treatment, the infection can subside after a few days.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Despite the cause of conjunctivitis, the symptoms are very similar. They may include:

• Itchiness in the infected eye or eyes.

• Redness of the infected eye or eyes.

• The feeling of sand in the eye.

• Watery eyes.

• Discharge from the infected eye that solidifies into a crust during the night. The crust may make it challenging to open your eyes in the morning.

Types of Conjunctivitis

Viral and Bacterial Conjunctivitis

In viral conjunctivitis, the leading cause is adenovirus. It may also occur due to the varicella-zoster virus, herpes simplex virus, or other viruses. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis may accompany a respiratory infection or a cold.

You may also contract the infection from wearing improperly cleaned contact lenses. Sharing contacts may lead to developing the infection. Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are very infectious. They spread through direct or indirect contact with an infected person’s eye fluid.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis caused by an allergy will often affect both eyes. The antibodies that your body produces in response to an allergen are the causes of the infection developing. They trigger unique cells in the mucous lining of the airways and the eyes to produce inflammatory substances like histamines. Histamines lead to symptoms of allergies like conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis From Irritation

Irritation from chemicals or debris in the eye can cause conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis may occur when you flush the eye to clean the chemical or remove the debris. The symptoms of conjunctivitis from flushing often clear up within a day. But if the damage is significant, you may have persisting symptoms. It is advisable to see a doctor if you get chemicals in your eye.
 

To learn more about common eye infections and how to get the proper eye care, call Clarity Vision in Smithfield at (919) 737-7200.