Eye infections can interfere with your daily life and harm your vision and overall health if left untreated. If you are experiencing any discomfort, our team at South Center Eye Clinic in Tukwila, WA, can detect, diagnose, and treat eye infections to prevent further damage. Learn more about the different eye infections that can occur below:
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
One of the most common eye infections caused by bacteria is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. It happens when the thin membrane that coats the eyes becomes infected and is especially common in children.
Corneal Infections
Infections, such as those caused by Staph or Strep, can develop in your corneas. Contact with contaminated objects or an eye injury can lead to these painful infections, which are characterized by redness, blurry vision, and discomfort.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis cause the eyelids to become inflamed and can display symptoms such as burning, itching, swelling, and blurred vision. Poor eyelid hygiene, infections, or certain skin conditions can contribute to blepharitis. While mild cases can be managed with frequent cleaning and proper eyelid hygiene, severe cases may require antibiotics or steroids.
Corneal Ulcers
A corneal ulcer is a small crater-like sore at the front part of the eye, often resulting from an infection. Symptoms include redness, light sensitivity, blurry vision, and feeling as if you have a foreign object in your eye.
Styes
Styes, or bumps on the eyelids, occur when bacteria from the skin that enter the eyelash follicles. A staphylococcal infection usually causes styes and may result in tenderness, redness, and swelling. Most styes improve on their own, especially after they burst, however, medical attention may be necessary if they persist or become worse.
Preventive Measures
You can reduce your risk of eye infections with some simple changes. When you regularly wash your hands with soap, if you frequently touch your face and eyes, you can prevent infections from occurring. Along with this, make sure to practice proper hygiene when handling contact lenses and never share the lenses or eye makeup with others.
Contact us for Treatment Today
Proper eyecare is crucial for preventing infections and keeping your eyes healthy. When you visit us at South Center Eye Clinic in Tukwila, WA, our optometrist will perform an eye exam to assess your condition and provide you with treatment. To learn more about our treatment options and to schedule an appointment, call our office at (206) 431-8770 today.
