About Eye Infections

Most people will suffer from some form of eye infection at least once in their life. Fortunately, most eye infections last only about a week and go away without any pharmaceuticals. While eye infections are not typically severe, they can be annoying and inconvenient. Different types of eye infections cause different symptoms, but the most common signs are redness of the eye and itchiness in the area surrounding the eye.

Function

• Eye infections occur when bacteria gets through the defenses of the eye. The eye naturally defends itself with the eyelids and eyelashes and uses blinking to maintain the right moisture level and remove foreign objects. Sometimes these defenses fail, allowing bacteria to be introduced through fingers, hands, wind, make-up applicators and contacts. This bacteria can cause any number of eye infections.

Types

• While there are many types of eye infections, the three most common are bacterial conjunctivitis, blepharitis and sties. Bacterial conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, can be either infectious or noninfectious. This type of eye infection is most common among young children but can occur at any age. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eye that is commonly caused by skin problems or bacterial infections. While a single infection can be treated, this type of eye infection is likely to recur. Sties are an infection that occurs in the oil glands along the lash line and cause small, annoying bumps.

Time Frame

• Depending on the type of eye infection, symptoms can persist for different periods. Bacterial conjunctivitis lasts from a week to 10 days, with symptoms gradually improving. Blepharitis is often harder to treat because it is caused by an underlying skin condition. Infections can last as little as a week or more than a month. Sties typically last for a week. Toward the end of that week, the bump typically breaks open, drains and begins healing.

Effects

• The effects of bacterial conjunctivitis commonly include red, itchy eyes that have some discharge. Sometimes the eye will appear swollen and produce an abnormally large amount of tears. Blepharitis causes irritation of the eye that causes symptoms similar to pink eye, but also include light sensitivity, crusty debris and dryness. The effect of sties is mainly the small bump that appears along the lash line. This bump is typically sensitive and uncomfortable. As it heals, the bump breaks open, allowing the fluid to drain and the style to heal.

Prevention/Solution

• The most important method for preventing eye infections is frequent, proper hand washing. Since hands and fingers can carry bacteria that causes eye infections, it is important for individuals to avoid touching their eyes unless their hands are clean.
  Once infected, there are a number of treatments available for eye infections. For all three types, a damp, warm washcloth held over the infected eye a few times a day can help relieve swelling, itching and redness. It also helps to avoid wearing contacts and eye makeup while the eye is healing. For bacterial conjunctivitis, a topical gel obtained from a physician can help speed recovery time.