Microbial Eye Diseases

Microbial agents and viruses infecting a person's eye can result in many forms of eye diseases and infections. People spread the agents by touching or rubbing their eyes, or by coming in contact with an infected person. Although tears provide a strong line of defense against bacteria, some types thrive in the salty environment of your outer eye.

Types

• Among the many forms of diseases affecting the eye, only a handful result from an invasion of microbial agents. The disease-causing agents include: Hameophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.

Identification

• Symptoms of the microbial eye diseases differ depending on what pathogen is causing the disease. Typically signs include redness, swelling and pus formation seen on the conjunctiva or the eyelid.

Treatment

• Successful treatments of these diseases consist of antibiotics, eyedrops and ointments. The type of treatment will vary based on the disease and what your physician prescribes.

Warning

• WebMD states that conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is one of the most contagious eye diseases. It mainly affects newborns and young children, but adults can contract it as well. Infected people should avoid contact with others for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.

Prevention

• Bacteria can spread to your eyes if you touch or rub them. As with other diseases, wash your hands often to stop the spread of microbes from your skin and the environment. Contact lens wearers should take their lenses out daily to clean and moisten them.