Eye Infection

Eye infections like pink eye (conjunctivitis) are uncomfortable and annoying, especially when they don’t clear up quickly. If you develop an eye infection, talk to fellowship-trained ophthalmologist Dr. Yufei Tu of New York Eye and Glaucoma Specialist PLLC: Yufei Tu, MD, in the Flushing district of Queens in New York City. Dr. Tu offers effective treatments that reduce your symptoms and cure the infection. Call Dr. Tu’s office today or request a consultation online for expert eye infection care.

What is an eye infection?

Eye infections occur when a pathogen (bacteria, fungus, or virus) gets into your eye and starts reproducing. Common eye infections include:

Conjunctivitis

Infectious conjunctivitis — better known as pink eye — is the most common eye infection. It develops when a bacteria or virus infects the blood vessels in your conjunctiva (the thin outer layer surrounding your eyeball and lining the eyelids). You can also get allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies).

Infectious keratitis

Infectious keratitis affects the cornea, a transparent layer covering your pupil and iris.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is eyelid inflammation that usually develops when oil glands in the skin at the eyelash base become clogged. Bacteria can cause infectious blepharitis.

Hordeolum

A hordeolum or stye is a tender lump that develops in a clogged, infected oil gland on the outer eyelid edges.

Uveitis

Uveitis affects the uvea, the eyeball’s central layer that transports blood to your retina.

Why do I have an eye infection?

Eye infections pass between people through touch. That includes handling something an infected person has used, like a towel or pillow case, and sharing eye makeup. You should avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands and wash your hands frequently.

If you wear contact lenses, your risk of infection might be higher if you don’t follow good hygiene practices. Ensure your lenses fit your eyes properly, use contact lens disinfectant solution daily, and see Dr. Tu regularly for a checkup.

Eye infection symptoms often resolve themselves in a few days without needing treatment. However, if your symptoms are severe, don’t clear up, or you suffer a loss of sight, call Dr. Tu.

How are eye infections treated?

Eye infection treatments vary depending on whether the cause is viral, bacterial, or fungal. Medications may be in the form of eye drops, ointments or creams, or oral medicines. Options include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antifungal drugs for fungal infections
• Antiviral medications like acyclovir
• Corticosteroid eye drops to relieve inflammation
• Debridement (brushing the cornea to get rid of infected cells)
• Eye drops to relieve pain
• Not wearing contact lenses or eye makeup while infected
• Wearing darkened glasses
• Lubricating eye drops

To ease discomfort, apply a clean, warm, damp cloth to your eye for 20 minutes several times a day. Only use a mild, scent-free soap to clean your eyelids.

Call New York Eye and Glaucoma Specialist PLLC: Yufei Tu, MD, for relief from eye infection symptoms, or request an appointment online today.