Eye infections are common and they can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. While most eye infections are relatively minor and clear up on their own, some can lead to more serious problems. 20/20 Vision Care offers quality eye care in Pearl to help you treat and prevent eye infections.
The Symptoms of an Eye Infection
When you have an eye infection, you may experience symptoms like:
Itchy Eyes
It is common for eye infections to cause itchiness. You may also experience redness, swelling, and discharge if your eyes are itchy.
Red Eyes
If your eyes are red, it could be a sign of infection. They may also become watery and swollen.
Pain in the Eyes
Eye infections can cause a dull ache or sharp pain in your eyes. You may also feel pressure in your eyes.
Discharge from Eyes
Your eye may produce a yellow, green, or white discharge. This discharge can make your eyes crusty when you wake up.
Blurred Vision
Infections can cause your vision to become blurred. If you experience blurred vision, you should see an eye doctor immediately.
What Causes Eye Infections?
The human eye is constantly exposed to bacteria and other organisms. Most of the time, the eye’s natural defenses are enough to keep these things from causing an infection. However, there are times when these defenses are weakened and an infection can occur. Some of the things that can weaken the eye’s defenses include:
Allergies
Allergies can cause the eye to produce more tears than usual. This can wash away the eye’s natural defenses and leave it vulnerable to infection.
Eye Injuries
An injury to the eye can damage the eye’s surface and allow bacteria to enter the eye.
Dry Eyes
Dry eye is a condition that occurs when the eye does not produce enough tears. This can make the eye more susceptible to infection.
Eye Infection Treatment
Viral eye infections typically clear up on their own and do not require treatment. Bacterial eye infections are usually treated with antibiotics. These can be in the form of eye drops, ointments, or pills. Fungal eye infections are typically treated with antifungal eye drops or ointments. Parasitic eye infections are treated with medication to kill the parasites.
Call Our Eye Clinic for Quality Eye Care in Pearl, MS
If you are experiencing symptoms of an eye infection, contact 20/20 Vision Care. Our eye doctors will examine your eyes and determine the best form of treatment. We can also provide you with tips on preventing eye infections in the future. Call our team today at (601) 939-3753 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.