Eye Cornea Infection

If you suspect you have an eye cornea infection, see your doctor immediately. Early treatment is key to preventing serious problems such as vision loss, corneal scars and even loss of your eye. The cornea is the transparent "lens" in the eye.

Prevention/Solution

• According to CNN, people who wear their contact lenses overnight have a much greater risk of acquiring an infection in the eye's cornea. Always disinfect and soak your contact lenses while you sleep.

Causes

• Corneal infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites or viruses. Common causes of infection include severe dry eyes, an abrasion, a foreign object in the eye, severe allergies and an inflammatory disorder.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a corneal infection may include eye pain, redness, burning, itching, watery eyes, discharge, sensitivity to light, a white patch on the cornea and impaired vision.

Diagnosis

• Your doctor can diagnose your corneal infection by running tests such as a visual acuity test, a tear test, a refraction test, a slit-lamp exam and by measuring and examining the cornea. Your doctor may also run blood tests to check for an underlying disorder.

Treatment

• Corneal infections are often treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may also prescribe anti-viral or anti-fungal eye drops, as well as corticosteroid eye drops. If the damage is severe, you may need a corneal transplant.