Are you suffering from an eye infection? If so, it is not something you want to let linger for too long. Letting the infection linger will only allow it to fester and worsen. Problems can occur from foreign contact with the eye to a scratch or cut on the eye’s surface. Simple eye infections left untreated can turn dangerous and may lead to a loss of vision. However, this can be avoided by visiting our team at Foster Vision. Our Portland team will figure out what is causing the infection and the best course of action for treating the issue.
How Eye Infections Happen
The two primary causes of an eye infection are either caused by a virus or by foreign bacteria. There are other possibilities like a fungus, but they tend to be rare compared to viruses and bacteria. An infection can occur in multiple places on the eye. Common areas tend to include the inside of the eyelid, tear ducts, the eyeball, the cornea, and the external area of the eyelid. Bacteria tend to grow on their own after finding their ideal environment. Viruses need a host to live and use the body’s cells to survive. It is important to distinguish what kind of eye infection you have to properly treat the problem.
Common Eye Infections
Pink Eye – Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is one of the more common eye infections. The cause of the infection can be anything from allergies to swimming in a pool. Since pink eye is a bacterial infection, it can be spread from person to person. In the case you do have pink eye, you will want to avoid interacting with others until the infection is under control.
Stye – A stye develops when small glands along the eyelid get plugged and infected. A tender bump or sore will form along the eyelid. It can form externally along the eyelash or internally somewhere in the eyelid. A stye is a bacterial infection and normally isn’t contagious. A stye will usually heal on its own in about a week. Our optometrist may prescribe various ointments to relieve symptoms. If it doesn’t heal or creates vision problems, it is important to schedule an appointment with our team.
Endophthalmitis – Endophthalmitis is an inflammation of the eye. This particular eye infection occurs usually after some kind of surgery. It is not that common but can still occur and damage the eye if left untreated.
Keratitis – Keratitis is similar to pink eye but affects the cornea. When your cornea becomes infected you may struggle seeing or experience pain in your eye. You may also experience redness or a kind of swelling. Bright lights might give you headaches and blurry vision.
Schedule Your Eye Appointment in Portland Today
At Foster Vision in Portland our team regularly sees eye infections from both exposure conditions and injuries. Thankfully, most eye infections are minor and can be cleared up with proper treatment. Contact our office to see how we can provide quality treatment for your eye infection as soon as possible.