Eye Infections

Nearly a million Americans experience eye infections that require medical care every year. The practitioners at Oceanside Family Optometry, in Oceanside, California, provide comprehensive treatment for eye infections, ranging from pink eye to herpes, to relieve your symptoms and rid you of illness. If you think you have an eye infection, call Oceanside Family Optometry or schedule an appointment online today.

Eye Infections Q&A

What are common eye infections?

You can contract a variety of bacterial, viral, or fungal eye infections. Some of the most common eye infections include:

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Keratitis
• Endophthalmitis
• Blepharitis
• A sty
• Uveitis
• Cellulitis
• Ocular herpes

Eye infections cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Red or pink eyes
• Itching or burning
• Swelling around the eye
• Excessively dry or watery eyes
• Eye discharge
• Light sensitivity
• Blurry vision
• Pain

If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect an eye infection, you should make an appointment with Oceanside Family Optometry for diagnosis and treatment. While an eye infection may go away on its own, you should always protect your vision and seek professional treatment when necessary.

What causes eye infections?

The most common way for you to contract an eye infection is to touch your eyes with dirty hands. You can also get eye infections as a result of an injury, such as getting a small object stuck in your eye or suffering a minor scratch or abrasion. Your risk of getting an eye infection increases if you wear contact lenses overnight, even if you have breathable lenses.

How are eye infections treated?

After carefully examining your eyes and diagnosing an infection, your practitioner may prescribe antibacterial, antiviral, or steroid eye drops, depending on your symptoms and infection type.

Your optometrist may also prescribe oral medicines. If your symptoms don’t improve after following the recommended treatment, contact Oceanside Family Optometry for additional assistance.

How can I prevent eye infections?

You can reduce your risk of eye infections by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes. If you wear contact lenses, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing your contact lenses. It’s also beneficial for your eye health to take your contacts out and give your eyes a break, even if you have extended-wear lenses.

If someone in your home gets an eye infection, wash all bedding and towels thoroughly and avoid sharing any pillows or bedding with the person who has the infection.

If you or anyone in your family has eye infection symptoms, call Oceanside Family Optometry or schedule an appointment online today.