Eye Infections
Types of eye infections
Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)
Conjunctivitis is an eye infection of the sclera (white of the eye) and it can be caused by bacteria, viruses, chemicals, foreign body or allergies.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis include:
- Eye irritation and redness
- Excessive tearing of the eyes
- A discharge of pus
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Light sensitivity
Patients must follow good personal hygiene such as washing their hands with soap, avoid sharing towels or cloths; along with, avoiding contact with others while discharge is still present. The treating doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Patients should see their doctor as soon as possible to ensure there is no permanent damage from this condition.
Keratitis
Keratitis is inflammation or irritation of the cornea (the clear, domed shape tissue in front of the eye). It can be caused by infections such as; bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites or it can have non-infectious causes; such as minor injury, dry eyes or other diseases.
Symptoms of Keratitis include:
- Eye pain
- Eye redness
- Excess tears or discharge
- Difficulty opening the eyelids
- Blurred vision
- Decreased vision
- Light sensitivity
- Foreign body sensation
Keratitis can be classified by its location, severity and cause. It can be acute or chronic and examination on the slit lamp is important. Pathology samples may be sent off depending on the clinical presentation. Patients should see their doctor as soon as possible to ensure there is no permanent damage from this condition.
Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye that consists of the iris, ciliary body and choroid). It can have many causes such as: eye injury, inflammatory diseases; and, exposure to toxic chemicals (pesticides and acids). The type of uveitis you have is classified by where inflammation occurs in the uvea:
- Anterior uveitis is inflammation of the iris (iritis) or the iris and ciliary body.
- Intermediate uveitis is inflammation of the ciliary body.
- Posterior uveitis is inflammation of the choroid.
- Diffuse uveitis (also called panuveitis) is inflammation of all areas of the uvea.
Symptoms of uveitis include:
- Eye redness
- Watery eyes
- Eye pain
- Light sensitivity
- Decreased vision
- Dark, floating spots in field of vision (floaters)
Uveitis can be acute or chronic, but patients should see their doctor as soon as possible as these diseases can lead to reduced vision or visual loss. Treatment is primarily aimed to try an eliminate inflammation, pain and prevent further tissue damage. Plans will vary depending on the type of uveitis and the causes.