What causes a bacterial eye infection?
Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria, often types of staphylococcus or streptococcus, is spread through poor hygiene or contact with other people or insects, results in a thick, sticky discharge from the eye, and may – in some cases – require antibiotic eye drops.
How contagious is an eye infection?
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both highly contagious, and you may be contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms first appear. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. Most cases of pink eye are viral or bacterial, and can occur with other infections.
How long does a bacterial eye infection last?
Bacterial Conjunctivitis It often improves in 2 to 5 days without treatment but can take 2 weeks to go away completely. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, usually given topically as eye drops or ointment, for bacterial conjunctivitis.
Can eye infections make you tired?
Prodromal symptoms are typical: fatigue, malaise and low-grade fever for up to one week. Eye pain, redness, watering and photophobia may occur.
Can eye infection spread to brain?
Infection can spread to the brain (meningitis) and spinal cord, or blood clots can form and spread from the veins around the eye to involve a large vein at the base of the brain (the cavernous sinus) and result in a serious disorder called cavernous sinus thrombosis.
How can I treat an eye infection naturally?
Salt water, or saline, is one of the most effective home remedies for eye infections. Saline is similar to teardrops, which is your eye’s way of naturally cleansing itself. Salt also has antimicrobial properties. Because of this, it only stands to reason that saline can treat eye infections effectively.
How serious is an eye infection?
Some eye infections, such as a stye or blepharitis, respond well to home care. However, other eye infections, such as endophthalmitis, are serious and can potentially lead to a permanent loss of vision. If a person has signs of an eye infection, they should contact a doctor.
What are the signs of an eye infection?
Signs of an Eye Infection. Signs of an eye infection may include: Pain in the eye. A feeling that something is in the eye (foreign body sensation). Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
What is the best treatment for eye infection?
Fortunately, most common bacterial eye infections clear up, particularly with prompt treatment such as prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointments and compresses. Many common viral eye infections resolve on their own. In cases of severe viral eye infections, an antiviral eye drop may be prescribed.
What are the most common eye infections?
Conjunctivitis is by far the most common eye infection caused by bacteria. Also known as pink eye, this common infection enters through the conjunctiva (the thin membrane that coats the whites of the eye).
How do you treat an eyelid infection?
Treating eyelid inflammation. Washing your eyes and applying a warm compress can reduce inflammation. Depending on the severity of inflammation and whether your inflammation is caused by an infection, your doctor may recommend other treatments.